Jeffrey Walsh, bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan, wished Bishop Chad Zielinski well in his new post. Zielinski is taking over at the Diocese of New Ulm, Minnesota.

“With family roots in Alpena, Bishop Chad has faithfully served as a priest, military chaplain and bishop of Fairbanks, (Alaska),” Walsh said on Facebook. “We wish him all the best as he moves from a diocese in Alaska larger than the state of Texas, to a diocese roughly the same size as his home diocese of Gaylord.”

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre announced Tuesday that Pope Francis has appointed Zielinski to the post in Minnesota, according to a release. Zielinski is replacing Bishop John M. LeVoir, who headed the diocese from 2008 until his retirement.

Zielinski grew up in Michigan, where he lived until enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. While serving in the military, he felt a call to the priesthood. After completing his tour, he began studying at Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, Oregon. He then became a seminarian in the Diocese of Gaylord, earning his Master's in Divinity from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, the New Ulm Diocese said in a release. Bishop Patrick R. Cooney ordained Zielinski to the priesthood at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord on June 8, 1996.

“I am most grateful to our Holy Father for entrusting me to serve as the shepherd of the Diocese of New Ulm,” Zielinski said in a New Ulm Diocese release. “As I leave the vast expanse of Northern Alaska, I am fully aware of the countless blessings I received from 46 parishes. The faithful of the entire Diocese of Fairbanks patiently helped form me to be the shepherd I am today.”

Walsh said Zielinski will be able to draw from his life experiences to serve his new diocese well.

“May his vast experiences of life and ministry serve him well and may the Lord continue to strengthen him as shepherd of a new flock,” Walsh said.