Accepted the hard times with grace

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

	S p e c i a l   S e c t i o n : Farewell to Bishop Banks
	• 'Blessed be God Forever'     Bp. Robert Banks retires as the     diocese's chief shepherd and spiritual     leader  • Highlights of 13 years in Green Bay  • Bishop seen as priest-servant     Friends, colleagues, see Bishop as     spiritual, caring  • Bp. Robert Joseph Banks biography  • A style that works     Bishop noted for his care and listening     skills  • Timeline of Bp. Banks' years in Green Bay  • College presidents remember Bp. Banks  • Lay Catholics remember Bp. Banks  • Diocesan employees remember Bp. Banks  • Bishops, priests comment on Bp. Banks  • Religious leaders discuss Bp. Banks  • Thirteen years as the leader draw to an end  • Bishop Banks' Corner --     Giving glory to our Father  • Editorial -- Job well done     Bp. Robert Banks has served the     church of the Diocese of Green Bay     well for 13 years

As the leader of the Green Bay Diocese, Bp. Robert Banks devoted himself to serving others, say those who worked with him.

Several also commented on the inner strength he has shown while under both legal and media scrutiny because of the clerical sexual abuse scandal in the Boston Archdiocese.

Despite the pressure of national media attention, "it never showed in his dealing with people," said Fr. Willie Van de Loo, former Vicar for Priests for the diocese. "I don't know how he did it, but it never showed to me that he was ever down. As with lots of things in life, he had a good attitude (that) God is in the midst of this, we are not abandoned. God is in the midst of this, trying to lead us, purify us."

Quotable ... "On a personal level I want to thank Bp. Banks for his friendship and personal support. His sense of humor has made the journey more pleasant.... Bp. Banks has been a friend, a mentor, a model - I am grateful."     -- Bp. Robert Morneau

Msgr. Paul Koszarek, who for four years was diocesan Vicar for Administration, said Bp. Banks' "deepest hurt and constant pain was the clergy sexual abuse scandal. In Green Bay, he was determined to correct the failures of the past and do everything possible to prevent them from recurring."

Fr. Bob Kabat, diocesan Judicial Vicar, said, "Even in the difficult times, he has not lost his sense of deep prayer and his Irish humor."

Abbot E. Thomas De Wane, O.Praem., former leader of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, agreed that Bp. Banks "bore the public attention with patience and grace."

Beyond that, Abbot De Wane said he admired Bp. Banks' energy in maintaining a schedule that could include numerous meetings in and out of the office, visits to parishes and various groups, often on evenings and weekends.

"Few people can appreciate the self-giving involved in meeting the daily demands thrust upon the office of a bishop. Yet he did it all without a second thought and even with a smile," the abbot said.

Rudy Pineda, diocesan consultant in Hispanic ministry, recalled one area where that played out.

Quotable ... "We shared a lot of candor over the years and I admire his faith and value his friendship."     -- Fr. Dave Pleier

Every year, Bp. Banks would preside at Confirmation and First Communion for migrant workers at St. Joseph Parish, Wautoma. After Mass, Bp. Banks would pose for photographs.

"He allowed himself time to take a picture with each First Communicant or Confirmand and then stand with each one with their families," Pineda said.

"This always occurred in August, when it was usually very warm. He did it with joy and a smile."

(Patricia Kasten and Jeff Kurowski contributed to this story.)