Archbishop Vigneron Names Monsignor Charles Kosanke Regional Moderator for the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Detroit

March 7, 2023—Following the Friday, March 3 announcement that Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Donald Hanchon, Archbishop Vigneron today has appointed Monsignor Charles Kosanke to serve as Regional Moderator for the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Detroit. In this new role, Monsignor Kosanke will assist in the governance and pastoral leadership of the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park.

“I am grateful he accepted the invitation to serve in this new role,” Archbishop Vigneron said. “He is known by many to be a very capable pastor and trusted leader for all the communities in which he has served. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity to care for the faithful who live and worship in the Central Region of the Archdiocese.”

Monsignor Kosanke’s new appointment is in addition to his current assignments as Rector of the Basilica of Ste. Anne and Moderator of the Southwest 1 Family of Parishes. While he is not a bishop, he is appointed to the office of Episcopal Vicar, having executive power to help me care for the Central Region. Bishop Hanchon has offered to continue administering the Sacrament of Confirmation to those in the Central Region for the time being.

“I am humbled that the Archbishop would ask me to assume these important responsibilities,” Msgr. Kosanke said. “Half of my priestly ministry has been in the Northwest Region and the other half in the Central Region. I know the Central Region very well. It is rich in faith and diversity but also has unique challenges.

“I look forward to working with my brother priests and laity to more intensely unleash the Gospel in this region.”

Monsignor Kosanke was born in Detroit on October 26, 1959, and studied at Sacred Heart Seminary, St. John’s Provincial Seminary, and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood by Edmund Cardinal Szoka on December 14, 1985, and named a Chaplain to His Holiness (Monsignor) by Pope Benedict XVI on September 30, 2005. Prior to his assignment as rector of the Basilica of Ste. Anne, Monsignor Kosanke served in parishes in the city and suburbs of Detroit, including National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, St. Benedict Parish in Highland Park, Church of Madonna and St. Cecilia Parishes in Detroit, Guardian Angels Parish in Clawson, and St. Regis Parish in Bloomfield Hills.