SAVANNAH — The bishops of the Atlanta Province gathered for their annual meeting June 27-29, this year held in Savannah, Ga. The Atlanta Province encompasses the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the four dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh, Charleston, S.C., and Savannah.
"It's part of an identity of a province to periodically come together, to have an opportunity for fellowship, prayer, and for a little business that strengthens each of the local Churches," explained Archbishop Wilton Gregory.
"All of us, obviously, face many of the same pastoral challenges, and we need to support and affirm and encourage one another. Also, I think it's another indication that, as Pope Francis has said to the whole Church, we need to accompany each other. We need to move forward in faith together."
Their meeting was held at the Savannah diocese's new Catholic Pastoral Center, a former children's home opened by the Sisters of Mercy in 1938.
Pictured after Mass are (from left) Bishop Robert Guglielmone, Bishop of Charleston; Bishop Luis Zarama, Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta; Bishop David Talley, Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta; Bishop J. Kevin Boland, Bishop Emeritus of Savannah; Archbishop Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Atlanta; Bishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv., Bishop of Savannah; Bishop Michael Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh; and Bishop Peter Jugis.
— Photo provided by Michael J. Johnson, The Southern Cross