Vincentians name new Western Province leader

    Father Raymond Van Dorpe was named the provincial of the Congregation of the Mission Western Province at a provincial assembly in Belleville, Ill., succeeding Vincentian Father Perry Henry, who had served in New Orleans as pastor of St. Joseph Church.
    Ordained in 1982, Father Van Dorpe, a native of Chicago, earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Mary’s Seminary, a master of divinity from De Andreis Institute of Theology, a master of arts in religious studies from DePaul University and a master of science in church management from Villanova University.
    Father Van Dorpe has served in various educational and pastoral ministries over the past 31 years and has 11 years of experience in provincial administration.
    The Vincentians also voted to join with U.S. bishops in support of compassionate immigration reform, the sanctity of human life and repeal of the death penalty.