The Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent College & Seminary thanks Pope Leo XIV for the appointment of Bishop Mark Eckman as the 13th bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh! Bishop Eckman is an alumnus of Saint Vincent Seminary, class of 1985, and has been an auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh since January 11th, 2022.

In our ongoing collaboration with the Diocese of Pittsburgh as we help to foster a culture of accompaniment, Bishop Eckman has been present and supportive throughout our various presentations to the diocesan curia and clergy. We look forward to opportunities to collaborate with him more closely in coming years, enthusiastic about the unique gifts that he brings to this ministry.

We also pledge our prayers for him, knowing the heavy yoke that any diocesan bishop bears as he accepts the responsibility and privilege of shepherding God’s flock. We are grateful for all of the encouragement, inspiration, and support that Bishop David Zubik has provided since the foundation of the IMF in 2018, and especially in our most recent collaboration in this Jubilee Year of Hope!