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New Hampshire Gets New Roman Catholic Bishop

MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) - Guided by the motto "arise and walk," the new leader of New Hampshire's 300,000 Roman Catholics says he is eager to learn about his new home and confront its challenges.

The Vatican on Monday named the Rev. Peter Anthony Libasci to succeed Bishop John McCormack as bishop of the Diocese of Manchester.

The 59-year-old Libasci is a New York City native ordained in 1978 who most recently served as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York.

During an introductory news conference, Libasci described how his motto -- drawn from what Saint Peter is said to have told a lame beggar -- has helped him to forge ahead when confronted with obstacles.

Libasci will be officially installed Dec. 8.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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