Grenada faithful called to pray for new bishop

GRENADA

Although his resignation has already been accepted by the Vatican, Bishop Clyde Harvey continues to serve as Bishop of the Diocese of St George’s-in Grenada—at the request of the Holy See—until a new bishop is appointed.

Speaking during Good News Catholic Communications’ ‘Conversation with Bishop Harvey’ last month, the Bishop shared that he has launched a Diocese-wide Prayer for Discernment of a New Bishop, calling on the Catholic faithful to pray not just for a new bishop, but for the right kind of shepherd to lead the local Church.

“… it’s almost two years since I submitted my resignation to the Holy Father, then Pope Francis. And initially, it was decided that we weren’t ready for a change. But I was asked to hold on until January [31], 2026. But even as that time approaches, it’s difficult to discern what exactly is needed,” Bishop Harvey said.

Bishop Harvey submitted his resignation in 2024, in accordance with Canon Law, which requires bishops to offer their resignation upon reaching the age of 75. Though officially retired, he was asked to remain in office during the transition—a period now stretching into its second year.

“The Nuncio informs me that it will take a while—first of all to look through the local, meaning the men in the Caribbean who might become a bishop, and then if not, then we look beyond the Caribbean—and that is becoming more and more of a real possibility,” he said.

Bishop Harvey warned against treating the process as a popularity contest or focusing only on outward gifts like preaching.

“…pray for the right kind of person, not to pray that my friend becomes a bishop, not to pray that this person I like. And I want to warn you, especially, not to judge suitability simply by preaching. There are many people who are good preachers but would make horrible bishops.”

He also broke down the Prayer, explaining what qualities the Church is seeking in a new spiritual leader.

“It’s asking first of all a commitment to Christ, a shepherd who will faithfully follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Then a bishop filled with wisdom and understanding—so that not because he’s wise but because he’s guided by the Holy Spirit—he may be a faithful pastor, a prudent teacher, wise in discerning the needs of our diocese and region.”

His remarks also reflected on his years of service and the broader responsibilities that come with episcopal ministry in the Caribbean.

“And I want to underline our Diocese and region because my own experience as Bishop of St George’s is that you have a sense of responsibility for more than just Grenada. You have a sense of responsibility for the whole region. And as you get to know your brother bishops better, you share their concerns, and that carries you forward.”

In an era marked by widespread misinformation, Bishop Harvey stressed that the next bishop must be a guardian of truth.

“So, strengthening him to uphold the gospel of truth… very, very important in these days. There’s so many lies going around and so much deception. I mean YouTube and the social media are full of lies. So, you have to be able to discern the truth and uphold the gospel of truth.”

He added: “And then to build up the body of Christ—that is a very important role of every bishop… to build up the body of Christ in love and holiness. Wow.”

Bishop Harvey then closed with a heartfelt appeal to Catholics across the island: “say this prayer every day… I would love to see this prayer in the hands of every Catholic, at least in the hands of every practising Catholic, so that they can pray it with a quiet confidence as we wait for God to reveal who He wants as the next bishop of St George’s-in Grenada.”