Archbishop Wenski processes out of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe following the Farewell Mass

Earlier this evening, the people of the Diocese of Orlando bid farewell to their chief shepherd, Archbishop-Designate Thomas G. Wenski. As you may recall, Pope Benedict XVI appointed the Most Rev. Thomas Wenski as the fourth Archbishop of Miami on April 20, 2010. The Mass of Farewell was celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. Archbishop Wenski told those in attendance that the Mass was a “Last Supper” of sorts.

During the homily, the Archbishop-Designate spoke about the most memorable events of the Diocese in the seven years of his episcopacy. Included in that list were the first-ever diocesan synod (“Starting Afresh From Christ”), the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese and the beginning of the first diocesan capital campaign (“Alive in Christ”). Remarking on these achievements for the Diocese, Wenski stated: “If this local church has grown stronger in its faith, more confident in its hope and more ardent in its charity — and I believe it has — it has done so only because we have done it together, in a collegial way and in a collaborative way.”

Archbishop-Designate Wenski then went on to ask the people of the Diocese of Orlando for forgiveness for anything he did during his tenure that offended anyone and for anything that he failed to do during his time as Bishop of Orlando. He stated: “I am still a work in progress.”

At the closing of his homily, the Most Rev. Thomas G. Wenski asked the people of the Diocese for continued prayers as he undertakes his new responsibilities in the Archdiocese of Miami. He has consistently said that Miami has its own problems. This fact has  been witnessed over the last several years with scandals involving priests and the closing of parishes because of financial instability.

Before the final blessing, Sr. Elizabeth Worley, Diocesan Chancellor for Administration, offered some words of thanks to the Archbishop-Designate and presented him with his Orlando coat of arms. The coat of arms would have been attached to the new cathedra in the newly renovated Cathedral of St. James, which will be dedicated by Archbishop Wenski on November 20, 2010. After receiving his coat of arms, Archbishop Wenski thanked the people for their support. He also explained that the Diocese may be vacant for some three to six months. He remarked that any longer than six months may give the Diocese of Orlando a false sense that they do not need a Bishop.

Following these final remarks, Bishop Norbert Dorsey gave Archbishop-Designate Wenski a blessing. The date was a special day for Bishop Dorsey; on May 25, 1990, Bishop Dorsey was installed as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando.

At the end of the Mass, as “Bishop Wenski” processed out of the Basilica Shrine, the people in attendance offered applause to their Shepherd, wishing him congratulations and heartfelt gratitude.

PHOTO SOURCE: Orlando Sentinel