Martin D. Holley, currently Auxiliary Bishop of Washington D.C. and an advocate of minority issues, has been appointed the new Bishop of Memphis, Tenn. by Pope Francis. Holley was born Dec. 31, 1954, in Pensacola. He graduated from Tate High School where he was captain of the basketball team and named to the school’s Hall of Fame.
He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee in 1987. His first assignment was parochial vicar of St. Mary Catholic Church in Ft. Walton Beach, where he later became administrator. He also served at St. Paul Catholic Church and Little Flower Catholic Church, both in Pensacola.
Holley was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Washington D.C. by Pope St. John Paul II 12 years ago.
“Bishop Holley has demonstrated both pastoral sensitivity and administrative ability that should serve him well as he now undertakes his new ministry in western Tennessee,†Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington D.C., said in an Aug. 23 press release announcing the bishop’s appointment. “We rejoice that the Church of Memphis is receiving such a talented and caring pastor of souls.â€
