Harrisburg Diocese selects administrator until new bishop is named

(Harrisburg) — Father Robert Gillelan, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish in Steelton, has been elected as administrator by the College of Consultors of the diocese, in the wake of Bishop Joseph McFadden’s death.

He had served as Vicar General for Bishop McFadden, who died of a heart attack last week.

“My previous position as Vicar General has helped to prepare me for this new role. I appreciate the confidence the College of Consultors have in me by electing me to this position,” says Father Gillelan, a native of Biglerville, Adams County.

His new responsibilities will be to carry on the established policies and procedures of the diocese.

The 55-year-old has served as a priest for almost 24 years and his previous assignments includeAssistant Pastor at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish/San Juan Bautista Parroquia, Lancaster, St. Leo the Great Parish in Rohrerstown, and St. Joseph Parish in Hanover. He served as pastor of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in York from 1999-2012.

The appointment of a new bishop is a lengthy process that could take eight months or more to complete.