Bp. Gumbleton leaves St. Leo's; urges ongoing peace, justice work
Robert Delaney of The Michigan Catholic
Published January 26, 2007
Robert Delaney | The Michigan Catholic
Retired Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton with longtime parishioners Linda Maxwell and her nephew, Wesley Maxwell, last Sunday at his last Mass as administrator of St. Leo Parish, Detroit. | Detroit — Retired Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton said he hoped his parishioners would continue to work for justice and peace, as he celebrated his final Mass as administrator of St. Leo Parish in Detroit last Sunday.
"We, as a parish community, must carry on the work of Jesus, and that's what I pray you will do as I leave you," he said in his homily.
Bishop Gumbleton leaves St. Leo Parish just days short of his 77th birthday, after 23 years of service as pastor (until Jan. 25, 2006) and parish administrator since then.
In a letter distributed to all parishioners as they entered the church last Sunday, Cardinal Adam Maida wrote: "For the last 23 years, Bishop Gumbleton has faithfully served your community and shared your joys and sorrows, challenges, hopes and dreams through Sunday Eucharist, works of Christian service, and reflecting on the Gospel of Life in today's society."
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FYI
• More information on Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Gumbleton is available on www.aodcommunications.org.
• The Catholic Television Network of Detroit (CTND) will also rebroadcast "John Cardinal Dearden: A Remembrance," which includes comments from Bishop Gumbleton, and others, at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 30, 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2.
| Noting that the bishop would soon be turning 77, Cardinal Maida continued that "it is now appropriate for him to retire from pastoral leadership of a parish."
As with all bishops, Bishop Gumbleton was required to submit his resignation at age 75, and the Vatican recently accepted it, the cardinal explained.
"Bishops submit their letter of resignation directly to the Holy Father, and he decides when he will choose to accept that resignation. Bishop Gumbleton and I have been informed through the Congregation for Bishops that the Holy Father has accepted his resignation, and in keeping with that resignation, he is to give up any pastoral offices such as pastor of a parish," he wrote.
But Cardinal Maida added that, like other retired auxiliary bishops, "Bishop Gumbleton will still function as a priest and bishop, celebrating the sacraments, including confirmation, throughout the parishes of the archdiocese as need arises and his health and schedule permit."
Under Bishop Gumbleton's pastorate, St. Leo started a five-day-a-week soup kitchen that serves the poor in its near west side neighborhood with food, clothing and medical care.
His advocacy of peace and justice issues has gained him an international reputation, besides getting him arrested on a number of occasions.
"He's just a wonderful man. He goes out of his way to help everybody. He's so friendly. He's going to be missed," said longtime parishioner Eddie Sears.
Parishioner Maria Davis said Bishop Gumbleton's "love for the teachings of Jesus" has always been apparent in his leadership of the parish.
And Sigrid Dale, who with her husband Ron has belonged to St. Leo 14 years, said, "To all of us, he is the clearest example of what Jesus Himself was."
Ordained to the priesthood in 1956, Bishop Gumbleton served the archdiocese as vicar general under Cardinal John Dearden. In 1968, he was made an auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese and titular bishop of Ululi (a defunct diocese in Northern Africa).
Outside the archdiocese, the bishop has served as president of both Pax Christi USA and Bread for the World.
Bishop Gumbleton Fact Sheet | Final Bulletin Entry
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