Priests offer Bishop Niederauer a fond farewell

Intermountain Catholic

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Archbishop-designate George Niederauer receives a gift from the priests of the Diocese of Salt Lake City – his coat of arms as it appeared over the bishop's chair in the sanctuary of the Cathedral of the Madeleine. IC photo by Barbara S. Lee

SALT LAKE CITY — When Msgr. Robert R. Servatius, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Sandy, and president of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council (priests’ council), stood to begin his farewell speech for Archbishop-designate George Niederauer Feb. 3 at the Alta Club in Salt Lake City, he began with, "I would like to welcome all of you to the kick-off of the 2006 Diocesan Development Drive."

Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general of the diocese, fairly flew out of his seat to correct Msgr. Servatius, prompting laughs from the roomful of priests, diocesan and religious, from all corners of the diocese. Msgr. Servatius ceremoniously tore up his first speech, and pulled the right one out of his pocket.

The exchange between Msgrs. Servatius and Fitzgerald got the presbyteral council’s official farewell to Bishop Niederauer off on a light-hearted step. Still, the evening had its sad moments.

"We, the presbyterate of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, have gathered here this evening for what can best be described as a bittersweet occasion," Msgr. Servatius said. "It is bitter because we gather for a farewell dinner for a man who has been for the past 11 years our leader, mentor, friend, and encouragement in our priestly ministries. It has sweetness to it because we recognize his departure from us to a new leadership role in the Archdiocese of San Francisco as Pope Benedict’s expression of his regard for and confidence in Archbishop-designate Niederauer’s gifts, talents, and abilities to shoulder what must be heavier burdens than he has experienced here. We must also feel a sense of gladness for the people of San Francisco who will now benefit from his presence."

Msgr. Servatius shared a message he received from a friend of his: "I feel sad for Salt Lake City, but happy for San Francisco."

Msgr. Servatius brought to mind other famous farewell speeches: the Philistines for Goliath; Roman senators for Julius Caesar; French generals for Napoleon; the White Star Line for the captain of the Titanic; and the dinner given by his staff for Thomas Dewey just before the Presidential election of 1948.

Calling Father Hernando Diaz, pastor of St. Elizabeth Parish in Central Valley and its missions, to the podium, Msgr. Servatius invited comments on behalf of the Hispanic community.

Calling Bishop Niederauer "a bishop of the people," Fr. Diaz thanked the bishop for his respect and his compassion, and for the good relationships he has fostered with people from all levels of Utah society.

"You honor the dignity of all people," Fr. Diaz said. "You are a man of humble heart, and you leave us with many great memories. You are a great example for the Church, and we are grateful for your great concern for the mission churches in Utah.

Msgr. Fitzgerald shared a story about a person the bishop had hired who turned out to be less than ideal, prompting more laughter.

"Bishop Niederauer leaves a legacy of investing in people," Msgr. Fitzgerald said. "He has embraced and cared for more people; he’s been available and present to everyone, and we will miss his gifts of wit, fine homilies, a kind heart, and his spirit. He has had a real impact on the intellectual focus of the state and on our rich traditions."

Msgr. Fitzgerald uncovered a gift for Bishop Niederauer, a hand-crafted coat of arms that hung over the bishop’s chair in the sanctuary of the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Bishop Niederauer reminded the priests that his new assignment doesn’t signify a promotion.

"The Church in San Francisco is no more important than the Church in Salt Lake City," he said.

Referring to himself as "the glider," who glides into parishes and organizations after all the work is done, Bishop Niederauer thanked the priests, as well as religious men and women and lay people, "for making me look good year after year. I am prouder of you than you are of me."