From the Editor - A Shepherd of Joyful Hope

In those weeks leading up to the announcement of our new bishop in 2009, I was one of only a few privy to who that was by nature of my position as director of communications. A few of us were charged with coordinating the logistics of this important moment in the Church, and, as such, I was on the phone quite a bit with my counterpart, Bob, in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Admittedly, all of us on staff were feeling some trepidation as anyone does when anticipating a change in leadership. However, it wasn’t long before any worry I might have entertained was squashed by Bob when he took the time to reassure me.

“Listen, Vicki,” said Bob in his characteristic conspiratorial tone, “with Bishop Bradley ... you’re getting a gem!”

And boy was he right.

Bishop Bradley has many titles and many roles, son, brother, uncle, godfather, friend, mentor, author, publisher, reverend, bishop, but for a few of us honored to be among the Diocesan Pastoral Center staff, he is also, “Boss.”

However, his boss-like approach is heavily infused with his priestly gifts that he shares with us, making us more like a family.

Bishop Bradley lives his episcopal motto, “Waiting in Joyful Hope” with the emphasis on the “joyful hope.” As our Spiritual Father, he not only directs and guides the ministry work of the Church, but he also helps guide and direct our spiritual journeys as well. We’re fortunate to participate in monthly staff Mass, Lenten and Advent Retreats and formation experiences. We are blessed by his witness to always centering everything we do in our work for the Church in prayer and in the Word of God.

Bishop Bradley has also graced many of his staff by also accompanying them on our life journeys; he’s celebrated some of our weddings, baptized and confirmed our children, anointed those who were sick, prayed for those whenever asked and comforted those who were grieving.

Pope Francis has said, and written, extensively about the Priesthood, urging his shepherds to be among their sheep. In a General Audience in November, 2014, drawing upon the scriptures, Pope Francis referenced “some exquisitely human qualities” that are necessary to have to be a good priest. Those characteristics, he said, are “acceptance, temperance, patience, meekness, trustworthiness, goodness of heart.”For me, Bishop Bradley checks all those boxes.

A line that dances around my head quite frequently from my favorite poet, Mary Oliver, is: “What are you going to do with your one wild and precious life?”

I’m honored and grateful Bishop Bradley’s “wild and precious life” has meant the immeasurable gifts of 50 years of being in “persona Christi,” (in the person of Christ) for all those who know him.
Ad Multos Annos!