In early April, it was announced that Pope Francis appointed Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., to be the next bishop of Providence, R.I. The Holy Father could not have chosen a better bishop to guide that important diocese in the years ahead.
The Providence Diocese covers the whole state of Rhode Island, is heavily Catholic, and has large Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking populations. It has also seen a lot of transition. After the retirement of a previous bishop, his successor was quickly chosen to become the new archbishop of Boston. I could imagine that the clergy and lay faithful greatly desire a shepherd who will bring stability and growth as he accompanies them into the future. Bishop Bruce is such a shepherd.
Bishop Bruce has made a lasting impact on the Church of Baltimore. Soon after Father Bruce was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Parish of Jesus/Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Parish in Highlandtown, I went there to offer Mass. It was apparent to me, right from the start, that he had brought new life, energy and zeal to Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, to Archbishop Borders School and to the wider community. It was also clear to me that he possessed in abundance the heart and the skills needed to minister to such a diverse community and to work effectively with ecumenical partners, community organizers and government officials. Seeing all this and more started me thinking: “If ever I need another auxiliary bishop …”
That day came when Bishop Mark E. Brennan was appointed bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va. As I prepared my list of possible candidates to succeed him as auxiliary bishop, Father Bruce’s name rose to the top. I knew of his skills and abilities. But I also treasured the charism, the spirit, of St. Alphonsus Ligouri which he and the Redemptorist religious family share. I prayed for a double portion of that spirit and my prayer was answered.
Soon after Bishop Bruce learned of his appointment as auxiliary bishop of Baltimore, I called him. He was surprised, even stunned. Like St. Alphonsus himself, Bishop Bruce was not seeking the episcopacy. He sought to live his priesthood in fidelity to his charism. That is precisely what makes him such a wonderful bishop: he’s not in it for himself but for the Lord and for his Church.
Subsequent to his episcopal ordination, Bishop Bruce helped the archdiocese face many challenges. With his guidance and encouragement, the Hispanic Catholic community in the archdiocese has grown, not only in numbers but in the strength of its witness to the Lord. Throughout the COVID pandemic, Bishop Bruce’s ministry was heroic. It was he who oversaw the introduction of the synodal process in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. And, at my request and under his direction, the Seek the City to Come process was undertaken. Currently he is guiding the implementation of that process.
In all these projects, Bishop Bruce has surrounded himself with faith-filled and talented co-workers. He collaborated with clergy, religious and laity throughout the breadth and length of the archdiocese. To him, these “projects” were never just projects, never just administrative matters. Everything he did (and will do) is rooted in the Word of God which he preaches with great energy, conviction, fidelity and joy.
Bishop Bruce did a lot of difficult things for the Church of Baltimore. There were days of weariness and even discouragement. Yet Bishop Bruce never lost heart. On the contrary, he remained focused on the mission the Lord entrusted to the Church.
We have all benefitted from his ministry and we will greatly miss him. But this is our moment to share our gifts with the larger Church. Let’s not forget, as St. Francis of Assisi taught us, that “it is in giving that we receive.”
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us!
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