Irish Priest Bishop of New Diocese of Knoxville
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Associated Press
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A new Roman Catholic diocese of Knoxville was established today by Pope John Paul II, who named an Irish-born priest as the first bishop to the post.
The Knoxville Diocese, composed largely of rural counties, will have a Catholic population of about 36,000. Appointed as bishop was Father Anthony O’Connell, 50, a native of Lisheen, County Clare, who immigrated to the United States 30 years ago.
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