Catholic bishop earns his wings

GALLUP, N.M. (AP) – Bishop Donald Pelotte received a Christmas present that will enable him to reach the remote corners of his 55,000-square-mile diocese quicker and more often.

A two-seater airplane arrived last week from the Wings of Hope, a Catholic, non-profit organization in St. Louis, Mo., that refurbishes airplanes for missionary dioceses.

Pelotte, who has recruited a pilot, is coadjutor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gallup.

“The farthest point away is Page (Ariz.), and that’s a six-hour drive,” he said. “My people have got to see me more than just once every three years.”