A farewell to Bishop Zubik

By Sam Lucero
News and Information Manager

	S p e c i a l   S e c t i o n: Shepherding God's People A Farewell to Bishop Zubik
	• Photo slideshow with audio: Bishop Zubik farewell Mass   (best viewed with a high-speed Internet connection; requires Flash plug-in) • Other articles from this special section • Previous coverage of Bishop Zubik's appointment to Pittsburgh
	Only in the Print Edition ... Articles found only in the special section of the Sept. 21, 2007 Compass print edition: • Friends from bishop's hometown recall ties • Bishop addressed four main goals while here • Farewell reflections from other bishops, community leaders     and readers • Profiles of the 11 men who have served as bishop of the     Diocese of Green Bay • Bishop David A. Zubik biography • Subscribe to print edition

One week from today, Bishop David A. Zubik assumes a new title: Bishop of Pittsburgh. It's a return home for the bishop, who was born and raised in steel country.

As a new member of the Green Bay Diocese, I did not have the opportunity to serve closely under Bishop Zubik's leadership. In fact, my first encounter with the bishop was during a job interview one day after Pope Benedict XVI appointed him to Pittsburgh.

I came away from that meeting with much the same reaction that other people have voiced in the pages of this week's special farewell section. First, Bishop Zubik is a prayerful man. As we sat in his office at the chancery last July, the bishop asked that we begin our conversation with prayer. It was evident that he turns to God for direction and inspiration.

Secondly, I found him to be sincere. He seemed interested in learning about me, my family, and my vocation as a Catholic journalist. As I have since learned, family has been a very important part of Bishop Zubik's life.

Following last Sunday's farewell Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, I spoke briefly with Bishop Zubik as he greeted members of his diocesan family. I asked about the unusual pectoral cross around his neck, an article of dress that is standard for bishops.

In the center of the gold cross is a medallion depicting the Pieta, the famous Michelangelo sculpture of the Blessed Mother holding Jesus' lifeless body.

Bishop Zubik explained the significance of the cross.

"I got it in remembrance of my mom after she died," he said. Two months after Susan Zubik's passing on Jan. 16, 2006, Bishop Zubik made a trip to Rome. While there, he purchased the cross. "It's the Pieta. I thought that was an appropriate remembrance for my mom. I wear it on special occasions."

Also during our July meeting, I learned that Bishop Zubik is devoted to Jesus and his church, to his vicar on earth, Pope Benedict XVI, and to the church's authentic teachings. This devotion has been conveyed in his column that appears in The Compass.

While upholding and defending church doctrine is one of the bishop's duties, he has also demonstrated a concern for the social welfare of people in northeastern Wisconsin.

Just three weeks ago, Bishop Zubik spoke out against the Green Bay City Council's decision to refuse a special permit for a homeless shelter to operate at St. John the Evangelist Church this winter. (The mayor and other leaders are working on another option to be announced in about a month.)

"People with mental illnesses or drug problems have been and will continue to be with us, and we need to address this particular aspect of homelessness before it becomes a bigger problem," stated Bishop Zubik in his column. "I believe and I know that we are capable of offering a much more thoughtful, loving, concerted response to our sisters and brothers who deserve more than to be left in the winter's cold."

Finally, during my first encounter with Bishop Zubik, I discovered that humility is part of his character. As a religious leader and shepherd to more than 350,000 Catholics in this diocese, Bishop Zubik is in a position of authority and influence. Yet, as I departed his office after our meeting, his final words to me were unassuming: "Please pray for me."

These four words painted a clear picture in my mind of a shepherd who is confident in his abilities, yet rooted in his faith. These are qualities that the people of Pittsburgh will soon learn to appreciate. Along with the entire community of believers in the Diocese of Green Bay, the staff of The Compass wishes Bishop Zubik the blessings of Christ that he richly deserves.