Bishop Francis Xavier DiLorenzo to Lead Richmond Diocese

'I ask God to help us all in our journey together '
   
On Wednesday, March 31, 2004, at a press conference at the Chancery, Bishop Francis DiLorenzo was introduced as the newly appointed Bishop of Richmond. Father Pasquale Apuzzo, Director of Communications, opened the press conference with an introduction of Bishop DiLorenzo.

Bishop DiLorenzo		 Born in Philadelphia in April, 1942, Bishop DiLorenzo was ordained a priest in May, 1968. He served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia until his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Scranton. In October, 1993, he was appointed apostolic administrator of Honolulu, Hawaii. He became the Bishop of Honolulu in November, 1994.

Cardinal Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore, and currently serving as Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Richmond, was introduced, and offered several comments regarding the transition period and Bishop DiLorenzo’s appointment: “I want to express my thanks to Bishop Walter F. Sullivan for all that he has done…in keeping his public schedule…and offering me his valued counsel. I want to express particular thanks to Msgr. Robert Perkins, who continues to serve so ably as my ‘delegate general’ and to Msgr. Thomas Caroluzza and Msgr. Kenneth Rush, who have helped address the needs of the Eastern and Western parts of the Diocese. A special thank you to Father Pat Apuzzo, to the Chancellor Anne Edwards and to the rest of the wonderful staff gathered.”
“Cardinal Keeler continued: “I have known Bishop DiLorenzo for many years and the Diocese of Richmond will be blessed with a bishop of wide pastoral experience gained during sixteen years of service as a bishop. He also brings both educational and ecumenical credentials to his new post, having been a professor at Immaculata College near Philadelphia, and later Rector of St. Charles Seminary, Overbrook. Through the 1980’s, he was of great assistance to us in the Pennsylvania Interchurch Conference, the ecumenical agency in that state, as it addressed a number of complex moral issues. You will find that he is a ‘people person’, who enjoys working with and learning from individuals, and, above all, a committed shepherd of souls who is totally dedicated to sharing the word of God.”

Bishop Walter Sullivan, Bishop Emeritus, welcomed Bishop DiLorenzo. “In the name of the priests and people, I welcome Bishop DiLorenzo as the 12th Bishop of Richmond. I am personally thrilled with his appointment…I first met Bishop DiLorenzo when he became the Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton. He has spoken eloquently at bishops’ meetings. He is highly respected by the bishops of our country. He has a keen mind, and a very affable personality. Over the years, he has served on important committees of our Episcopal conference. I pledge to Bishop DiLorenzo both my full support and cooperation.”

Bishop Sullivan continued: “I want to thank Cardinal William Keeler who has served as Apostolic Administrator these past six months…The Cardinal has taken a keen interest in the life and activities of our diocese. In the days ahead during the Easter season, let us pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit on our new bishop whom we embrace with open arms.”

Bishop DiLorenzo was then invited to offer a few comments: “I ask God to help us all in our journey together. I feel my responsibilities are threefold: Teach about Jesus and His way of life and all else the church wants taught about herself; help persons grow ever closer to Jesus as they encounter Him in both Word and Sacrament; and to govern the Diocese and coordinate our efforts. I call on all priests, deacons, women and men religious and lay ministers to help me in my role as Bishop. It’s essential that our parishes be warm and welcoming communities. We invite the inactive and alienated Catholics to come home. We invite those who do not know the Lord to come and experience Him in both Word and Sacrament within the confines of a warm and welcoming Catholic parish community.”

Bishop DiLorenzo continued: “I thank Pope John Paul II for this opportunity and challenge. I thank Bishop Walter Sullivan for his continued dedication to this diocese. We look forward to his ongoing participation in our life. I wish to thank, also, Cardinal Keeler, who conscientiously and diligently watched over the diocese during the transition. I also thank the clergy, women and men religious and lay ministers for your contributions and cooperation during these several months. I look forward to your help. Finally, I wish to thank in a special way my staff in Honolulu, for getting me to the right place, on the right day at the right time.”

Bishop DiLorenzo will be installed as the twelfth Bishop of Richmond on Monday, May 24th.