Bishop Jeffrey J. Walsh, of the Diocese of Gaylord, releases the Vatican's decree officially designating Our Lady of Mount Carmel as the Diocese of Gaylord's patroness.
“Although popularly acclaimed throughout the 55 years since the establishment of the Diocese of Gaylord in 1971, it was recently discovered that there had not been a 'formal' decree of our diocese being under the patronage of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. With due diligence, our former Director of Liturgy and Worship Cameron Diachun (now in seminary formation for the Dominican Order) prepared the formal Vatican petition on my behalf, and we are happy to announce Rome’s affirmative decision. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us!”
—Bishop Jeffrey J. Walsh
English translation of Latin decree from the Vatican:
GAYLORD
The clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Gaylord honor with special and constant devotion the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, who, as a most loving Mother, watches over, protects, and accompanies them on their journey toward the mountain that is Christ.
Accordingly, the Most Excellent Lord Jeffrey Walsh, Bishop of Gaylord, receiving the shared wishes—also with civil authorization—duly approved the election of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel as Heavenly Patroness of the Diocese of Gaylord. He then, by letter dated 15 June 2026, earnestly requested that this election and approval be confirmed in accordance with the Norms for Establishing Patrons.
The Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, therefore, by the faculties granted to it by the Supreme Pontiff LEO XIV, having considered what has been set forth, since it is established that the election and approval were carried out according to the prescriptions of law, grants the request and
CONFIRMS THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY OF MOUNT CARMEL AS HEAVENLY PATRONESS OF THE DIOCESE OF GAYLORD,
together with all the rights and liturgical privileges that follow according to the rubrics.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary.
Given from the offices of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, on the 16th day of July 2026, on the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel.
+ Victorius Franciscus Viola, O.F.M. — Archbishop Secretary + Aurelius García Macías — Bishop Undersecretary
