‘I will always give thanks ... for you’
By Christie L. Chicoine
CS&T Staff Writer
PHILADELPHIA — Seven days before his installation as the sixth bishop of the Michigan Diocese of Saginaw, Bishop Joseph R. Cistone received a prayerful farewell from the faithful of the Philadelphia Archdiocese, where he has served as an auxiliary bishop for the past five years.
For the boy from Tacony who from age 5 knew he wanted to be a priest — and who grew up to devote 34 of his 60 years to the priesthood in Philadelphia — Bishop Cistone received a fitting farewell at evening prayer with Benediction celebrated by Cardinal Justin Rigali at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
For the boy from Tacony who from age 5 knew he wanted to be a priest — and who grew up to devote 34 of his 60 years to the priesthood in Philadelphia — Bishop Cistone received a fitting farewell at evening prayer with Benediction celebrated by Cardinal Justin Rigali at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
“I’m very honored by the people that came,” Bishop Cistone said after the vespers. “It was almost my whole priesthood there — from my very first assignment to here in the office building. It was wonderful to see so many people.”
And it was a rousing goodbye, as the congregation gave their beloved Bishop more than one standing ovation. Bishop Cistone was moved to tears several times during the service.
“I tried to compose myself, but all those words stir up memories and thoughts and everything. It’s not just the words — it’s all the people and circumstances that are behind them, so it was very emotional.”
Read more of this story from The Catholic Standard & Times.
No comments:
Post a Comment