"VATICAN CITY, 23 MAR 2009 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, auxiliary of San Diego, U.S.A., as bishop of Oakland (area 3,798, population 2,466,692, Catholics 406,947, priests 433, permanent deacons 112, religious 843), U.S.A."
This morning the news that was not entirely unexpected became public. Bishop Cordileone is to leave us. The Brothers of the Little Oratory in San Diego offer their dear Bishop their unceasing prayers and good wishes, and their heartfelt thanks for the many opportunities he gave us to exercise our spiritualities through liturgical work at levels we never expected to attain. However long it may be before we see him again, if we are so blessed, the memories, the experiences we shared with him, and the expanded spiritual horizons he inculcated in us, will both sustain and propel us towards a holier future. God Bless you, Bishop.
Speaking personally, it has been a great grace to know and serve this extraordinary man, indeed the greatest grace I have know in this diocese through the years. He has helped so many to recover, nurture and find growth in Catholic identities long undernourished. His manifold kindnesses and sensitivities, combined with a firm and assertive guidance has changed the lives of so many in our Diocese it would be difficult to count them.
Of his many extraordinary personal qualities, let me highlight but a few: he is accessible. He laughs. He is intellectual. He has a rare common touch. He is interested. He listens. He has no liturgical axe to grind; his concern is always for the quality of the liturgical act. He knows his own mind, but is concerned with the perceptions of others as well. He loves his ministry. He truly loves the Roman Catholic Church. I could go on, but I will leave it to his future biographers.
Without him we will be bereft for a time, but we will go on. May he go from strength to strength. May the hand of the Almighty rest firmly upon him. May he visit us one day in Eminence. May his rise continue, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the benefit of all. "Virgam virtútis tuæ emíttet Dóminus ex Sion: domináre in médio inimicórum tuórum" : The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion : be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies...and in the midst of your countless friends, as well.
God Bless the Bishop of Oakland, His Grace Bp. Salvatore Cordileone! Deo Gratias.
