Dear friends in Christ: On Sept. 5, I will celebrate my 20th anniversary as a bishop. This is a special time for me to reflect and to renew my promises to the Lord and his Church. I do not wish to bore you with my “life story” as a bishop, but I desire to share some of the lessons I have learned along the way, with the hope you can also see how God has worked in your life throughout the years and sustained you with his amazing grace.
Often when I visit our diocesan schools, the younger children ask: “How did you know that you wanted to become a bishop?” They seem a bit surprised when I tell them that was never my desire. Then, I say: “Can I share with you why I wanted to be a priest?” I find great joy in speaking about my priestly call given to me by the graciousness of God, despite my limitations and weaknesses, and the years I spent as a priest in parish life, in Catholic education and in seminary formation in my home Archdiocese of Philadelphia. I am ever grateful to God for my parents, family members, friends and teachers who supported and encouraged me in pursuing God’s call to the priesthood. In reflection on my 38 years as a priest, I only have beautiful memories of the countless opportunities the Lord has given me to serve as an instrument of his love, mercy and compassion, especially in celebrating Mass, administering the sacraments, and preaching the truth and joy of his Gospel.
Life radically changed for me in 2002 when I received news that Pope John Paul II appointed me as Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. In our Catholic tradition, no individual asks, applies or interviews to be a bishop. The Holy See has a thorough process in which clergy, religious and laity are consulted and recommendations are ultimately given to the Pope by the Apostolic Nuncio (the Pope’s delegate/representative in a given country) and the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome. Throughout the process, an individual has no idea he is even being considered as a potential bishop. So, when the phone call comes, there is total shock. When I first learned the news, the Apostolic Nuncio said: “You have been appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, so just say ‘yes.’ ” The phone call lasted less than two minutes. Truly, that was excellent advice. For, as we all know, it is only by saying “yes” to God’s will and his plan that we grow in holiness and find the serenity and joy for which we long.
Still, as an auxiliary bishop in my home Archdiocese, day-to-day living did not change that much. I was in familiar territory and, as an assistant bishop to the Cardinal Archbishop, I was not “in charge.” I often say an auxiliary bishop is like being an “uncle.” You can be the “nice guy” and leave the tough decisions to the Archbishop!
That lifestyle changed for me in 2006 when a new Apostolic Nuncio called and told me that Pope Benedict had appointed me as Bishop of Raleigh in North Carolina. Again, I heard the words: “Just say yes!” This time my lifestyle changed dramatically. It was the first time I would serve outside my home Archdiocese. I was going to unfamiliar territory and to a place where I did not know anyone. Now I would be the Ordinary of the Diocese (or chief shepherd) and not “the uncle.” Of a bishop’s threefold role — to teach, sanctify and govern — the governing and administrative duties became much more significant.
Unlike in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Catholics in the Diocese of Raleigh are not the majority. I was amazed by the square miles that make up the diocese and the amount of driving necessary to get to various parishes and communities. I quickly realized that the parish was “home” for so many people, some who also were not native to the area. I also discovered that Southern hospitality is for real and that, yes, the pace was a bit slower — in good and positive ways. The diocese, clergy, religious and lay faithful all became dear to me, and I thought I was going to be a North Carolinian for the rest of my ministry as a bishop.
That all changed in 2016 when yet another Apostolic Nuncio called to tell me that Pope Francis had appointed me Bishop of Arlington in Virginia. Shocked by this news, I again heard the words: “Just say yes.” I knew of the wonderful reputation of Bishop Paul S. Loverde, the priests and the entire Diocese of Arlington. It was extremely difficult to leave the Diocese of Raleigh after 10 years of service. Still, I knew that God was sending me to another vibrant and faith-filled diocese that I now proudly call home and in which I am truly honored to serve as bishop along with my brother priests, whose faithfulness, loyalty, zeal and priestly generosity inspire me each day. I am also greatly blessed with the support of my colleagues, deacons, consecrated religious, seminarians and the lay faithful whose love for the Lord and his Church is reflected in countless ways. I look forward to continuing the work entrusted to us, including the ongoing preparation for our Golden Jubilee and the implementation of our diocesan strategic plan with an emphasis on evangelization and charitable works.
Reflecting on my 20 years as a bishop, I think the lessons I have learned are similar to those that all God’s people experience. First and most importantly, that he has chosen us as his own. He has a plan for each of us that will often surprise us, but he will always give us the grace to follow it. Secondly, I have learned that, with each new venture, he introduces into our lives special people to accompany us and labor with us. These years have confirmed that, ever faithful to his promise, he will be with us always and never abandon us.
Finally, at every turn, I have learned the importance of “Just say yes.” That response, offered in imitation of Mary, with trust and in humility, draws us closer to him, strengthens us for his work, and leads us to experience here and now the joy and serenity we hope to possess forever in heaven.
