Everybody in Scranton had a story to tell when Cardinal Justin Rigali, at the time Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Scranton, announced the new bishop: Joseph C. Bambera. He grew up in Carbondale, PA, and has been a member of the clergy of Scranton all his priestly life. So it was not surprising that even some of the residents offered stories about Bishop Bambera when he was growing up!
The religious were invited to a Solemn Evening Prayer, which we attended, and which beautifully reunited the clergy and religious of the Diocese in prayer and praise to God. The next day, the Episcopal Ordination of Joseph C. Bambera took place in St. Peter’s Cathedral. It was a memorable day for one of our Residents, Msgr. George DeMuth. He had been Bishop Bambera’s first pastor, and Bishop Bambera was kind enough to invite Monsignor to take part in the ordination ceremonies.
During the reception after the ceremonies, some of us were fortunate enough to exchange a few words with the new Bishop and to assure him of the prayers of the whole Holy Family community. A little more than a month earlier, he had been to our Home for the celebration of St. Joseph’s Day, and his easy approach had been the delight of the Residents. Now our prayers continue for his task as shepherd of the Church of Scranton, following his motto: “Walk Humbly With Your God.”
