The Holy Father has accepted the resignation of Bishop J. Terry Steib, SVD, as Bishop of Memphis, Tennessee. It's been a year since the bishop submitted his request for retirement, a canonical requirement for those in office who reach the age of 75 years.
At a press conference announcing the Holy Father's granting his request, Bishop Steib jokingly told his audience that he has been waiting patiently but expectantly for this day. No wonder. It's tough being a bishop these days, perhaps tougher than it has ever been in modern times. The demands upon one's energy and health are indeed overwhelming. People are so ready to find the littlest excuse to criticize or complain about what the bishop or the Church is doing or saying. Good bishops, like good priests, are having to carry the cross of those who abused many entrusted to their care. Good bishops and good priests carry this burden everyday, with little thanks or recognition. It's easy to understand how bishops, and priests, grow weary and tired.
I congratulate Bishop Steib on a job well done. It was my privilege and joy to have known him and, in some small ways, cooperated with him in his days as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis prior to his appointment to the Diocese of Memphis.
Bishop Steib is man of principle and courage. Soft-spoken and gentle, compassionate and kind. He is the quintessential gentleman in every circumstance or situation. He has brought honor to the Church, his diocese, and himself. The Church will be poorer for his absence from leadership both in Memphis and among his brother-bishops in America. The people of Memphis are rightfully saddened in their loss of this noble shepherd who has led them diligently and lovingly for so many years.
God bless you, Bishop Steib. A long and happy, satisfying and fulfilling retirement. Don't stop teaching us that, in many ways, the softest and most caring voice often penetrates the din of self-appointed and self-serving defenders of the faith.
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