When the bishop calls in from out of town to say he’s on your side, something’s awry:

The following quote is from the Most Reverend Michael J. Bransfield, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. Bishop Bransfield provided these remarks today from Phoenix, Ariz., where he is attending the annual national meeting of the Knights of Columbus:

“As the only Catholic college or university in West Virginia, Wheeling Jesuit University has my utmost support during this period of transition, said the Most Reverend Michael J. Bransfield, Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston. “I wish nothing but continued success for the University and for the Jesuit Community in Wheeling.”

“Although Wheeling Jesuit is not owned or administered by the Diocese, we share our Catholic identity and a common mission of education and service in our Mountain State. I am proud of the accomplishments of this wonderful university. I look forward to its continued advancement.”

The Wheeling Jesuit U. president has left in an unexplained “change of leadership.”