Photos By WILLIAM RIETER
Bishop A. James Quinn hugs a well-wisher at a reception June 16 after a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist celebrating his retirement after 25 years as a bishop and 50 years a priest of the Cleveland Diocese.
Bishop A. James Quinn hugs a well-wisher at a reception June 16 after a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist celebrating his retirement after 25 years as a bishop and 50 years a priest of the Cleveland Diocese.
A fond farewell
Bishop Quinn expresses joy, gratitude on his retirement
CLEVELAND-Joking that “God will rest this merry gentlemen,” Bishop A. James Quinn expressed gratitude and appreciation for his 25 years as an auxiliary bishop and 50 years a priest for the Cleveland Diocese at a Mass of Thanksgiving last week celebrating his retirement.
Several hundred family, friends, clergy, fellow bishops and local parishioners gathered at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on June 16 to bid farewell to the 76-year-old bishop who grew up on Cleveland’s west side.
“Among the things I thank God for is all of you,” Bishop Quinn told the crowd during an emotional homily during which he paused several times, seeming to hold back tears. “I’m quick to acknowledge that I am joyful because I am grateful. I am the product of the good works of others.
“I’m grateful to all of you who have blessed me with your friendship,” he said.
The Mass began with a procession of clergy and members of the Knights of Columbus who started outside on Superior Avenue and entered the Cathedral through the front doors.
Dante Maione, a member of St. Joseph Parish, Amherst, came as part of the Lorain Council of the Knights of Columbus to participate in the ceremony. He said he felt honored to celebrate the bishop’s retirement and expressed appreciation for the bishop’s support and work in the western region of the diocese.
“He’s truly our bishop,” he said. “Bishop Quinn served our region well.”
During his homily, Bishop Quinn spoke of service and obedience to God particularly in the example of the Blessed Mother.
“Mary is a model for every priest,” he said. “Her all important ‘yes’ changed the course of human destiny. She made our salvation possible.”
Bishop Quinn also expressed gratitude that he can retire with good health and still be able to live life to the fullest and drew laughter when he said he was thankful that he will retire “with my wits in tact—I think.”
“I await this new adventure. I pray that God will sanctify my retirement,” he said. “With God’s help may my retirement prove useful not useless.”
Before finishing his homily, Bishop Quinn seemed to choke with emotion as he gave a final farewell to the faithful.
“From the bottom of my soul, if spirits have dimensions, I thank all of you for being part of my life,” he said. “You made me what I am.”
Members of several local parishes came from throughout the diocese to pay respects and thank the bishop for his service.
Kathleen O’Brien, a member of St. Christopher Parish, Rocky River, said she’s known the bishop for years. She was helping to pass out programs at the Mass.
“I think he’s done a very good job,” she said. “He’s served us well. He deserves a happy retirement.”
Bernice Finneran, a member of St. Thomas More Parish, Brooklyn, said she was attending the celebration so she could say goodbye. She said she was always impressed by how “down to earth” the bishop is and that many people call him by his nickname “AJ.”
“He’s very friendly,” she said. “He’s very personable. When he talks to you, you are the most important person. He’s so friendly to everyone.”
Longtime friends Audrey and Bob Hallein, members of St. Bernadette Parish, Westlake, have known the bishop for many years and have traveled with him to Ireland. They said they wanted to show their support and thank him for his friendship over the years, particularly in helping them celebrate their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries.
“He’s a good soul,” Audrey said. “He’s so very understanding. He’s a good listener. I hope he doesn’t go too far.”
Milan Busta, also a member of St. Bernadette Parish, said he came to show support not only for Bishop Quinn but for all the clergy who serve the diocese.
“The priests and bishops need all the support we can give them,” he said. “We’ve been very blessed with Bishop Quinn. He’s done quite a lot of things for the diocese.”
Longtime friends Tom and Esther Tomsik, members of Holy Family Parish, Parma, said they too came to support the bishop who they’ve known since high school. Tom Tomsik graduated in 1950 from St. Ignatius High School with the bishop. Esther was classmates with the bishop’s late sister at Lourdes Academy.
“He’s a very down to earth gentlemen,” Tom said. “He’s a fine man, a sharp wit.”
“He’s kind and generous,” Esther added. “He’s going to be dearly missed.”
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