“I just don't have the energy" says Sacramento Bishop {updated}

{updated, 11:40pm - see below.}

Someone wants to retire - bad:

Sacramento Bishop William K. Weigand, in failing health for many years, has asked Pope Benedict XVI for permission to retire, effective Nov. 30.

Bishop Weigand, 71, is seeking retirement four years earlier than the normal mandatory retirement age of 75. During the entire time he has served as a bishop, Weigand “has endured ill health, having been diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis,” says the diocesan web site’s episcopal biography. “In April 2005, he underwent a living donor liver transplant, returning to work full time by November of 2005.”

“I'm just kind of worn out," Bishop Weigand told the Sacramento Bee. "I haven't run out of ideas. I just don't have the energy." (California Catholic Daily)

Let's pray for a replacement to be appointed soon.

update: AmP reader Marc lets us know that Rome already has this one covered:

I just wanted to let you and your readers know that Jaime Soto, our coadjutor Bishop will be Bishop Weigand's successor. Bishop Weigand has been a great Sheperd to us all.

Rocco notes that a November 30th transition is planned.

Ed Peters reminds us of the big picture:

Now, what to do about seven open sees and eleven others past retirement age....

.. and Rocco hints where we might look next:

"...focus of late has turned to Cincinnati, where a coadjutor to 74 year-old Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk has been expected for some time."

Any other new bishop rumors floating around out there?