Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Denis J. Madden will step down from his role as urban vicar for the Archdiocese of Baltimore effective Oct. 1, according to an Aug. 31 letter from Archbishop William E. Lori. Auxiliary Bishop Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., will become the new urban vicar while continuing his work as episcopal vicar for Hispanic Catholics.

Redemptorist Father Ako Trevor Walker, a native of Trinidad who was ordained a priest in 2019, will succeed Bishop Lewandowski as pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus-Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Parish in Highlandtown effective Sept. 1. Bishop Lewandowski had remained pastor at the predominantly Spanish-speaking faith community following his ordination as a bishop last year. Archbishop Lori said Bishop Lewandowski will assist the new pastor in his transition to the parish leadership position.

Bishop Madden, ordained a bishop in 2005, retired five years ago, but continued ministry as urban vicar. After leaving the urban vicar’s post Oct. 1, he will remain active by overseeing ecumenical and interfaith work in the Archdiocese of Baltimore as well as continuing to serve as a liaison between the archdiocese and the university communities in the area, Archbishop Lori said.

“I wish to thank Bishop Madden for his outstanding and dedicated service and his commitment to the city of Baltimore these past 16 years,” Archbishop Lori said.

The archbishop also thanked Bishop Lewandowski, calling him a “loving shepherd, a passionate voice for Spanish-speaking Catholics, and a welcome addition to our archdiocesan leadership.”

Email George Matysek at [email protected]