AL.COM - Catholic Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham turned 75 on June 4, reaching mandatory retirement age, so he sent a letter this month to Pope Francis asking for his successor to be appointed.
Baker said he would expect an appointment in six months to a year.
“It’s gone fast,” Baker said of his 12 years leading the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham. “I’ve been blessed. It’s a great diocese. Even though it’s small, it has a big impact because of Mother Angelica establishing EWTN here. It’s the largest religious network in the world.”
Baker said he plans to stay in Birmingham in retirement.
“I’ll help out where needed,” he said. “I did what I set out to do. I’m satisfied the diocese is ready for a new man to take over.”
Baker has scheduled a big celebration called a Eucharistic Congress on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Legacy Arena to mark the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Birmingham.
