Cleveland’s new bishop writes to deacons: ‘Deacons have always been there for me’

Cleveland’s new bishop-designate, Nelson J. Perez, took a moment yesterday, hours after he was  named bishop of the diocese, to send an email to the deacons:

Message to Deacons: Dear Brother Deacons, As I prepare to come to the Diocese of Cleveland as your new bishop, I wanted to take this opportunity to write directly to you. Throughout my twenty-eight years as a priest, including the last five as auxiliary bishop in Rockville Centre, I have been blessed and supported by the presence of deacons all around me. Whether in parish or diocesan work, deacons have always been there for me. Know that I deeply appreciate your ministry in the Church and the great gift you are to those you have been sent to serve. I look forward for the opportunity to get to know you and share with you the joy of serving the people of the Diocese of Cleveland as I officially arrive on September 5th. Last year, during his Jubilee Mass for Deacons, Pope Francis had this to say which I share with you today: Dear deacons, this is a grace you can implore daily in prayer. You can offer the Lord your work, your little inconveniences, your weariness and your hopes in an authentic prayer that brings your life to the Lord and the Lord to your life. When you serve at the table of the Eucharist, there you will find the presence of Jesus, who gives himself to you so that you can give yourselves to others.In this way, available in life, meek of heart and in constant dialogue with Jesus, you will not be afraid to be servants of Christ, and to encounter and caress the flesh of the Lord in the poor of our time. Please be assured of my prayers for you, your wives and children, and those you so faithfully serve and I ask that you pray for me. In Christ, Bishop Nelson J. Perez

een Ad multos annos!

Photo: Long Island Catholic