

O’Malley, archbishop of Boston, was the Mass presider and Bishop Rozanski was the principal celebrant.įollowing the funeral liturgy, Bishop Maguire was brought to his final resting place, St. More than 100 priests and deacons from the Springfield and Fall River dioceses and the Boston Archdiocese, as well as bishops from Maine and Connecticut were also in attendance. Universally known as a likable and approachable man who loved being a priest, Bishop Maguire was fondly remembered by people across the diocese.Īn estimated 650 attended the bishop’s funeral Mass held in St. Despite his impaired mobility, he continued to attend major diocesan events. In 2008 he was diagnosed with vascular Parkinson’s Disease, which limited his ability to walk. Bishop Maguire’s health had been in decline in recent years. “But even in that short time, I came to realize what a special and very gifted person he was, a true blessing to the church - I feel honored to have known him.”Ī Boston native who served in many capacities in the Archdiocese of Boston before coming to Springfield, Bishop Maguire served as bishop in Springfield from 1977 until 1992. “I only had the opportunity to know Bishop Maguire for a very few months,” Bishop Rozanski told iobserve. At the time of his passing, he was the fourth oldest bishop in the United States.ĭespite having officially retired more than two decades ago, he had continued to be one of the most popular and beloved public figures in western Massachusetts. He was 95.īishop Maguire was inthe 70 th year of his priesthood and 42 nd year as a bishop. Just prior to Thanksgiving, long-time Springfield Bishop Emeritus Joseph Francis Maguire, retired fifth bishop of Springfield, passed away peacefully Nov 23, in his residence in Springfield, surrounded by family and caregivers. Speaking to reporters immediately after the Mass, Bishop Rozanski called the liturgy a “wonderful celebration” and added, “I am so blessed to be called as the shepherd here.”īishop Rozanski said he will begin his ministry by getting to know the people in the parishes of western Massachusetts, and striving to live out his personal episcopal motto, “Serve the Lord with Gladness.” Many dignitaries participated including Cardinal Sean O’Malley, archbishop of Boston and the metropolitan archbishop presiding over all Roman Catholic dioceses in Massachusetts.Īddressing Bishop Rozanski, Cardinal O’Malley said, “Please tell the Holy Father how gratefully and enthusiastically the people of Springfield have welcomed their new bishop.” “I ask God to continue to unite us… to be people who truly live the Gospel and the will of God.”īishop Rozanski’s installation Mass was held Aug. “In faith we believe it is the will of God,” Bishop Rozanski said. press conference in Springfield the morning of June 19, Bishop Rozanski expressed his gratitude to Bishop McDonnell, his gratefulness for his priestly vocation and his willingness to serve in his new assignment as bishop of Springfield. Speaking to the media at the beginning of a 10 a.m. Bishop McDonnell was installed as bishop of Springfield April 1, 2004. 12, just six days after his 56 th birthday, clearing the way for the then-76-year-old Springfield Bishop Timothy A. Rozanski, an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Maryland, was named by Pope Francis to serve as the ninth bishop of the diocese.īishop Rozanski is the first bishop of the Diocese of Springfield with Polish roots. The biggest local story of the year for area Catholics began on June 19 when the people of the Diocese of Springfield learned that they had been assigned a new shepherd to lead the diocese. What follows is iobserve’s 2014 Year in Review: Our staff of reporters covered the changes all year long and reported them here on iobserve. Joseph moved from Mont Marie in Holyoke, and the uncertain future of Cathedral High School garnered headlines. SPRINGFIELD – In 2014, a new bishop came to the Diocese of Springfield, a long-time and beloved Springfield bishop passed away, the Sisters of St.
