Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
September 12, 2001
Over 600 bid farewell to Bishop Aquila at Denver Mass
Former seminary rector celebrates Mass of Thanksgiving at Cathedral
By Roxanne King
An estimated 600 faithful and some 55 clergy attended Mass at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Sept. 5 to say goodbye to 25-year Denver priest Bishop Samuel J. Aquila.
Ordained coadjutor bishop for the Diocese of Fargo, N.D., Aug. 24, the former St. John Vianney Theological Seminary rector had returned to Denver for the Mass and a short visit.
The liturgy and subsequent reception at the neighboring Knights of Columbus Hall were bittersweet for the 50-year-old priest and faithful alike.
"It was you who helped me to be the priest and bishop that I am," Bishop Aquila told the congregation. Reflecting on the day's Gospel, which portrayed Jesus telling a crowd he had to leave them to preach the Good News to other towns, Bishop Aquila marveled at how perfectly suited it was for the occasion. Acknowledging that it was difficult to leave the diocese he had come to regard as family, he said, "My appointment to Fargo has been a tremendous blessing, it has revealed more fully that my call is to serve Jesus Christ first."
His quarter-century priesthood has already required leaving many "nets," the bishop said likening his many departures to what the Apostles did. Moves have included leaving his native California to attend college and seminary in Denver, relocating to Colorado Springs for his first assignment, then back to Denver for other parish assignments, leaving parish life for further schooling in Rome, then back to Denver to assume a variety of leadership roles at the chancery.
"(I've learned) one must be willing to leave everything to follow our Lord and Redeemer," the bishop said.
Pledging that the people of the archdiocese will remain "in my prayers" and "in my heart" Bishop Aquila asked for prayers in return. The crowd responded with a standing ovation.
Presiding at the Mass was Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, former archbishop of Denver now president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. Noting that earlier this year the cardinal celebrated his 25th anniversary as a bishop, Archbishop Chaput said that made him, and "especially" his auxiliary, Bishop José Gomez, and Bishop Aquila "baby bishops."
Saying the diocese will miss the capable leadership Bishop Aquila exhibited as an organizer of Denver's 1993 World Youth Day and the opening of St. John Vianney seminary two years ago, as well as his "Sicilian sense of humor," the archbishop dismissed stories alleging Bishop Aquila cheated at cards with children and inspired a spirited dance from a well-known deacon during his ordination reception.
"I'm sure those are just rumors," the archbishop deadpanned to laughter.
Proof of "how well loved Bishop Sam is" was evident in the faces of the congregation, Archbishop Charles Chaput said. It was also expressed in impromptu rounds of applause.
"I'm excited for the people of Fargo, but sad not to have him close to us," Dini Zagarella, 61, said after the Mass. "He'll always be a part of the family — he's `Uncle Sam.' They're getting a special gift."
The family has known Bishop Aquila for 26 years, Zagarella said, and was at his ordination to the priesthood. Zagarella's daughter, Susan Ritter, 38, said the family also attended the bishop's Episcopal ordination in Fargo but didn't want to miss the opportunity to say goodbye and "to celebrate with him here at home."
Describing her beloved friend as "funny," 10-year-old Claire Ritter said she feels "lucky to know Uncle Sam."
Older sister Katherine Ritter, 12, added, "He teases us."
The archbishop expressed confidence that "God will do great things" through Bishop Aquila, but, he added, "We will miss our brother and friend."
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