Transcript

Peace be with you in the waters of baptism Joseph died with Christ and rose with him to New Life. May he now share with him eternal glory in baptism Bishop Joseph Anthony was clothed with Christ. May he now share a robe of Glory in the Kingdom.

Our auxiliary, all the priests and deacons of the Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston:

I want to welcome you to this liturgy in which we ask Almighty God
to welcome Archbishop Joseph Anthony Fiorenza into the Heavenly Kingdom. I want to welcome and thank my brother Bishops who have traveled here for the Liturgy this afternoon. I want to extend a special thank you to Cardinal Roger Mahoney, Archbishop Emeritus of Los Angeles, for his presence, and for Cardinal Wilton Gregory the Archbishop of Washington State.

Cardinal Wilton Gregory is a long time close friend of Archbishop Fiorenza and
was Archbishop’s Conference Vice President when he was the President and today will deliver the homily at the Liturgy. Thank you Cardinal Wilton.

I also want to welcome Archbishop Jose Gomez Archbishop of Los Angeles, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and who worked here in Houston as a priest during Archbishop Fiorenza’s ministry as Ordinary. I would also like to thank my fellow Metropolitan Archbishop Gustavo Garcia Sierra, Archbishop of San Antonio, for his presence. To the priests and deacons who are here, thank you for showing by your presence how greatly admired the Archbishop was among the clergy of this local church.

I also want to thank the women religious who are present here. Archbishop was a
dedicated collaborator with the women religious of our archdiocese and he valued
your input very much and your commitment to the Lord.

I also want to welcome in a special way the archbishop’s cousin Sister Benignus whom I think is here among us today. Thank you Sister Benignus. To all the family and friends of Archbishop who are here today, welcome and thank you for sharing a member of your family with all of us for so many years.

As many know, Archbishop was a member of the famous “Three Amigos”, who we are blessed to have with us today, especially the Reverend Lawson of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Reverend Lawson is here with his family today. Thank
you Reverend for your presence, your friendship, and your enduring example to us.

I know, Reverend Lawson, you’ve come for the funeral just to say goodbye to your
friend Joe. We agree that you are an enduring example to us as
well. I welcome Rabbi David Lyon Senior Rabbi of congregation Beth Israel
successor to the original Amigo member, Rabbi Karv I. Welcome Amy Karth Rabbi Karp’s daughter, especially as they join us following and in the midst of the New Year’s celebration, Rosh Hashanah. Thank you so much for your kind courtesy and
generosity and being present here today. A blessed New Year to you. Furthermore, I would like to give a special word of Welcome to the many ecumenical Interfaith and Civic leaders who have joined us for this liturgy today. Thank you for your presence
Among Us…

Let us Pray:

Grant, we pray, Almighty God that the soul of your departed servant, Archbishop Joseph Anthony Fiorenza, to whom you committed the care of YOUR family.

May, with the manifold fruit of his labors, enter into the eternal gladness of his Lord who lives and reigns with you in unity of the Holy Spirit God forever and ever.

A reading from The Book of Job:

Oh, would that my words were written down! Would that they were inscribed in a record: That with an iron chisel and with lead they were cut in the rock forever! As for me, I know that my vindicator lives, and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust. This will happen when my skin has been stripped off, and from my flesh I will see God: I will see for myself, my own eyes, not another’s, will behold him: my inmost being is consumed with longing. But you who say, “How shall we persecute him, seeing that the root of the matter is found in him?” Be afraid of the sword for yourselves, for your anger is a crime deserving the sword; that you may know that there is a judgment. (Job 19:23-29)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew:

Glory To You O Lord

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (Matthew 25: 31-46)

The gospel of the Lord…Praise be to God

Lord Jesus Christ, your remnants, Cardinal DiNardo, Cardinal Roger Mahoney, the Community of Faith of the Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston, members of Archbishop Fiorenza’s family, my brother Priests, Bishops, and Deacons, our esteemed women and men in consecrated life, friends all in Christ.

Every cleric knows just how difficult it is to preach a funeral homily for a person that you did not know. Well, it is even more difficult to preach about someone that you knew quite well. There are so many things that should be said or could be said as you attempt to shine the light of God’s word unto the life of one whose life has enlightened your own life and countless others besides.

As we accept in sorrow the loss of Archbishop Fiorenza every one of us can relate to Job’s words today in our grief and declare: Our Vindicator lives

Funerals are those moments when we need to reaffirm our confidence, faith and trust in God’s fidelity in spite of our sorrow during portions of his life that I was privileged to share with him. I was permitted to witness for myself Joe Fiorenza’s deep faith in God’s fidelity even in the face of the challenges and trials that managed to come his way. Paul reminds us once again of the Triumph of the Redeemer in conquering even death itself.

That is what we pray for at Mass today; to believe fervently in Christ’s Resurrection and in the promise that we all in due course will share in that victory over death with him like Job and Paul Joe Fiorenza fervently believed in the Risen Christ he came to recognize Christ in those that he served and ministered to so generously as priest and Bishop he saw Christ in the poor the disenfranchised prisoners the physically and mentally impaired he was brave enough to see the living Christ in people whom the world often chooses to ignore has Matthew’s gospel passage reminds us he was born and became a priest during a time when segregation was a
sanctioned tradition in many parts of our country Joe however did not
personally tolerate it or see its justification his great heart welcomed and loved people of every race culture and background his pastoral voice was an important source of strength for those who labored with him in the arena of Catholic Social teachings he stood proudly with those who labored for civil rights even when it was unpopular and unappreciated no one who ever met Archbishop Fiorenza could Overlook his wonderful sense of humor and his great wit.

He was a man of Christian Joy long before Pope Francis issued his Apostolic exhortation evangelium gaudium we must remember that the task of evangelization requires a spirit of joy as an indispensable component of allowing the gospel to be fully attractive to people eventually the U.S Bishops elected him our President knowing full well of his penchant for social justice he did not disappoint and gladly brought our attention to issues that touched the lives of the poor those on death row and the neglected.

I was lucky to sit next to him during his presidency and to learn from him how to advance The Works of charity and social Outreach Matthew’s gospel suggests
that when the king eventually does return in glory neither the Sheep nor the
goats will remember caring for neglecting those whose needs were identified
with Christ himself somehow Joe must have recalled this particular passage
quite often as he entered God’s Kingdom I am certain that he recognized the
Christ because he had seen him living among the poor the immigrants those who
were prisoners and the mistreated has always as he always began his conversations
with me I believe that Christ himself then greeted him with a heavy Texas accent brother Cardinal DiNardo can testify that even in his.

Joe was fully in charge of his life true I thank the Cardinal for his regular reports to me on Joe’s health and his condition and his determined decisions to do things his way as you might have suspected his infirmities did not diminish his Spirit one bit Joseph Anthony Fiorenza however would ask all of us today and in the days to come to pray for him to ask the Lord to forgive any human failings or sins that he might have committed and that too is a part of our prayer today since all of us continue to need the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness no matter what titles we might have in the church or in society and perhaps the loftier our titles the more we might need the Lord’s pardon for our offenses we praise and we thank the Lord forgiving us Joseph Anthony Fiorenza as brother and minister of the Gospel he fulfilled both of those roles far better than he might ever have imagined and we were all blessed to know him and we will all miss his loving presence as he now has transitioned to the father God bless you Joe may you be at peace and rewarded for the good example you gave Amen Amen…

As we sit here meditating on the beautiful words the Cardinal Wilton has given us reflecting on the readings and Archbishop Fiorenza, I have the beautiful and sad Duty though to say I received a letter the other day from his Holiness Pope Francis addressed to me and to all the Archdiocese.

In it the Pope said his Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death
of Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Anthony Fiorenza and he sends heartfelt condolences to you and all the clergy religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese joining you and giving thanks to almighty God for his years of Priestly and Episcopal
Ministry and his service to The Wider Church in the United States his Holiness
commends Archbishop Fiorenza’s soul to the loving mercy of Christ the Good
Shepherd, to his family and to all those gathered for the mass of Christian
burial in the sure hope of the Resurrection The Holy Father willingly imparts his Blessing as a pledge of consolation and peace in the Lord signed Cardinal Pietro Peril in the Secretary of State.

Let us stand:

God the Almighty Father raised Christ his son from the dead with confidence
we ask him to save all his people living and dead for Archbishop Fiorenza who
in baptism was given the pledge of eternal life that he may now be admitted to
the company of the Saints we pray to the Lord…

Lord hear our prayer

For our brother who ate the body of Christ the bread of life that he may be
raised up on the last day, we pray to the Lord

Lord hear our prayer

For our brother Joseph who served the church as a bishop that he may be given a place in the Liturgy of Heaven, we pray to the Lord

Lord hear our prayer

For our deceased relatives and friends and for all who have helped us that they may have the reward of their goodness, we pray to the Lord

Lord hear our prayer

For those who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again that they may see God face to face, we pray to the Lord

Lord hear our prayer

For the family and friends of our brother Archbishop Fiorenza that they may be consoled in their grief by the Lord who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus, we pray to the Lord

Lord, May the prayer of those who cried to you benefit The Souls of your servants O Lord free them we pray from all their sins and make them sharers in your Redemption through Christ Our Lord Amen

Pray brothers and sisters that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father we humbly besiege your boundless Mercy Lord that this sacrifice which your departed servant and Bishop Joseph while in the body offered to your majesty for the Salvation of the faithful may now bring him to your pardon through Christ Our Lord.

The Lord be with you and with your spirits

Lift up your hearts, let us give thanks to the Lord our God

It is truly right and our just duty and our Salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks Lord Holy Father Almighty and eternal God through Christ Our Lord in him the hope of blessed Resurrection has dawned that those saddened by the certainty of dying might be consoled by the promise of immortality to come indeed for your faithful, Lord, life is changed not and dead and when this Earthly dwelling turns to dust an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven and so With Angels and Archangels with Thrones and dominions and with all the hosts and powers of Heaven We Sing The Hymn of your glory as Without End

We acclaim Holy Holy Holy Spirit and all you have created rightly gives you praise for through your son our Lord Jesus Christ by the power and working of the Holy Spirit you give life to all things and make them holy and you never cease to gather a people to yourself so that from the rising of the son to its setting a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name therefore O Lord we humbly implore you by The Same Spirit graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you for consecration that they may become the body and blood of your son our Lord Jesus Christ at whose command we celebrate these Mysteries for on the night he was betrayed he himself took bread and giving you thanks he said the blessing broke the bread and gave it to his disciples saying take this all of you and eat of it for this is my body which will be given up for you. In a similar way, when supper was ended he took the chalice and giving you thanks he said the blessing and gave the Chalice to his disciples saying take this all of you and drink from it for this is the Chalice of my blood the blood of the new and eternal Covenant which will be poured out for you and for many for the Forgiveness of sins do this in memory of me the mystery of faith therefore O Lord as we celebrate the memorial of the saving passion of your son his wondrous resurrection and Ascension into heaven and as we look forward to his second coming we offer you in Thanksgiving this holy and
Living Sacrifice look we pray upon the oblation of your church and recognizing the
sacrificial victim by whose death you will to reconcile us to yourself grant that we who are nourished by the body and blood of your son and filled with his holy spirit may become one body one’s Spirit In Christ may he make of us an eternal offering to you so that we may obtain an inheritance with your elect especially with the Most Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God with blessed Joseph her spouse with your blessed Apostles and glorious martyrs with Saint Michael Saint Gabriel and Saint Rayfield and with all the Saints on Whose constant intercession in your presence we rely for unfailing help may this sacrifice of our reconciliation we pray O Lord Advance the peace and salvation of all the world be pleased to confirm in faith and charity your Pilgrim Church on Earth with your servant Francis our Pope Daniel our Bishop the order of Bishops all the clergy and the entire people you have gained for your own listen graciously to the prayers of this family whom you have summoned before you in your compassion Oh merciful father gather to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world remember your servant Joseph Anthony the Bishop whom you have called out from this world to yourself grant that he who was United with your son in a death like his may also be one with them in his resurrection when from the earth he will raise up in the flesh those who have died and transform our lowly body after the pattern of his own glorious body to our departed brothers and sisters to and to all who are pleasing to you at their passing from this life give kind admittance to your kingdom there we hope to enjoy forever the fullness of your glory when you will wipe away every tear from our eyes for seeing you our God as you are we shall be like you for all the ages and praise you with our then through Christ Our Lord through whom you bestow on the world all of that is good through him and with him and in him oh God Almighty father in the unity of the holy spirit all glory and honor is yours forever and ever and formed by Divine teaching we dare to say:

Our Father Who Art in Heaven

Deliver Us Lord we pray from every evil graciously Grant peace in our days that by the help of your mercy we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress as we await the Blessed hope and the coming of Our Savior Jesus Christ for the kingdom the power and the glory are yours now and forever Lord Jesus Christ
who said to your Apostles peace I leave you my peace I give you look not on our sins but on the faith of your church and graciously Grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will who live and Reign forever and ever…

The Peace of the Lord be with you always

Let us offer each other a sign of peace thanks for coming thank you for your eloquent words. Thank God. Bless you. God bless you, peace be with you.

Behold the Lamb of God Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof but only say the word and my soul shall be healed May the body of Christ keep you safe for eternal life Amen

We have implored O Lord benefit the soul of your departed servant Bishop Joseph that by these sacrificial gifts he may know the Eternal company of Christ in whom he hoped and whom he preached who lives and reigns forever and ever Joseph Anthony Fiorenza was born in Beaumont, Texas.

He was the second of four sons born to Sicilian immigrants Anthony and Grace Galliano Fiorenza his brothers were AJ James and Charlie He attended Saint Anthony’s High School in Beaumont where he was elected student body President and captain of the football team at the graduating from high school.

He then entered Saint Mary’s Seminary in Laporte, Texas. He was ordained to
the priesthood – to put that in perspective he was hearing confessions at a very early age.

Our cousin sister Beninas Galliano, who’s years old said that he was meant to be a
priest his mother told him, telling us when he was a little boy he pretended to be a
priest from the early age and he knew exactly what to do with what he wanted to do with his life.

He served as a priest and held many positions and titles he was evaluated to
Monsignor Bishop then Archbishop of Galveston Houston he supported Catholic Education and regularly talked about Catholic schools through the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. He served as President until he retired in but as we all know he never stopped, he couldn’t, he remained dedicated to the priests the religious and the faithful of the diocese and continued going to his office until his health began to decline earlier this year, he attended civil rights marches and gatherings in Houston, and he joined the march on Selma with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who he considered to be one of his heroes Arch Bishop Fiorenza motto was thy kingdom come by using these words from the Lord’s Prayer.

He prayed that all may share in the reign of God that comes to Jesus Christ. He once said we haven’t completed the walk yet. The journey is still going on but we’ve made progress in the last years or more. But there is still a lot of social injustice we can’t stop now. We had to keep on going we had to do more so that we can have True Justice for All people in this country and live up to the ideals of our constitution. He has come full circle early in his service as a priest, he worked at the

Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral. Later in life, he dedicated himself to building the beautiful Co-Cathedral that we now sit in today Joseph Fiorenza was a man of many hats and had different names as well as many family members refer to him simply as Uncle Joe. During high school and seminary years, his nickname was foots. He was proud of his Sicilian Italian heritage, and he loved people of all races in all ethnic backgrounds. He loved food and was a connoisseur of all things delicious he loved all sports and he enjoyed attending watching or listening every chance he could. He loved Texas and especially the Diocese of San Angelo, Galveston and Houston. We will all remember his presence his handshake his larger than life appearance and the tone of his voice he captivated every room he entered and Truth he was a shepherd of his people and would gently take you by the elbow the hand or the arm and guide you along speaking to you as he leaned in he had a special Devotion to the Virgin Mary encourage others to learn about her unique role in her salvation history he was highly intelligent and an eloquent speaker, a gifted writer with the grace of the Holy Spirit he brought people from all around the world to be a part of this church we appreciate these past three days hearing of all the stories about Uncle Joe and True Form Archbishop Fiorenza would not want the focus to be on him but on the church his true love our Cathedral of our Catholic faith is universal and all people are welcome here we love you most Reverend Joseph Anthony Fiorenza Uncle Joe we thank you and are proud of your fearlessness your unshakable courage Your Service your words are advice for all loving all mankind above all else you are a disciple of Christ your legacy will live on and all of us and we hope to honor you and how we live our lives well done good faithful serpent come and share your Master’s Joy the Fiorenza family would like to thank Cardinal DiNardo all clergy all religious and a special thanks to Christina Blanca and John and RC and all those in a Chancery in that Saint Dominic Village and all here today in all Brothers and Sisters in Christ thank you all very much and God bless! Thank you very much Mark I want to thank Father Jeffrey Bain director of the Co-Cathedral and the staff of their Hospitality the office of worship of the Archdiocese under the direction of Chris Labadee for helping to coordinate all the beautiful liturgies over these days to the Archdiocese inquire under the direction of Dr. Rick Lopez and the Co-Cathedral Choir under the direction of Dr. Krista Miller for providing throughout these days and today music for the liturgies up their events to Michael Shalezi.

Thank you to the entire staff of the development office of the Archdiocese for their logistical support which at times was considerable to all of our liturgical ministers Lecter Sackerson’s alter service whom are seminarians of the Archdiocese thank you and for the presence of the seminarians of Saint Mary’s Seminary onto the leadership of the Rector father Yerel Manzano thank you as well. Thank you to the members of the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of Peter Claver the Knights in The Dames of Malta and of the equestrian order of the Holy Sepulcher for keeping vigil over the Archbishop I would also like to give special mention to archbishop’s faithful caregivers:

Leo Lydia

Lorna Anjali

Regina

Nancy Oliver

Daphne

Nico

Mildred and

Mylene

A word of deep thanks to Christina Dijon, our vice chancellor who looked after Archbishop with great solicitude and care. My profound thanks to John Descant, Director of the Archbishop Fiorenza priest retirement home, who faithfully ministered to Archbishop with dedication care and love and with whom Archbishop formed a very close trusting friendship. In these last weeks. John was particularly close and spent many hours in Sleepless Nights with Archbishop Fiorenza, thank you John Descant.

Since I’m the Diocesan ordinary I get to say the last word before we do the
final Commendation that’s why they sit in the chair I think that’s what happened um first of all a great word of thanks to Cardinal Gregory for his magnificent

Amelie on the life and impact of Joseph Fiorenza and how he threaded the readings and bishop’s life because he knew it so so well great friendship they shared with one another Cardinal Wilton I’m really delighted that you’re here and he preached for father for Bishop Job I’m sure he’d have a word about this whole thing today but I’m sure it would be witty Archbishop Fiorenza exemplified his life a settled habit of living in relationship with the Lord through daily prayer worship and then his charity he creased the world every day and expanded it and made those actions
resonate with so many others he was a genuine man and faithful disciple he took seriously his vocation as a bishop of the church he knew that being a bishop and
collaborating with many people just as disciples walked together and following the Lord Jesus Archbishop Fiorenza always sought to bring people together from all

different ways of life to follow the lord truly valued insight and skill he recognized the collaboration of many women religious here and elsewhere dedicated to the priests so many of them showed up today Brothers thank you for being here to give a witness of love and veneration for Archbishop Job who loved you very much though I’m sure many of you could tell the story of the strong elbow grab that he gave Archbishop. When he put his hand on your arm he wanted two
things. He wanted your change or transfer assignments or he wanted to tell you you did something wrong. So that was when I was a young Bishop in the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa, and he was President of the Bishops conference. I saw how in his quiet but strong way he led that conference with confidence and strength, but also with care and attentiveness. Even in the midst of that conference for the needs of the poor and the marginalized his great sense of being a Sicilian helped him to handle some of the brother Bishops who got a little uh uppity or something he had the most droll sense of humor in dealing with them. If you don’t believe me you
know ask Cardinal Wilson about those times. One story I would like to talk about is his elbowing. I was the new bishop of Sioux City Iowa one of my priests Monsignor Dennis Schner was the General Secretary of the Bishops Conference. Archbishop here runs a really liked him and valued his work. His term was coming to an end in three months but Archbishop Fiorenza still had a year and three months to go so he called me on the phone one day. Perhaps some of you may appreciate this hello Dan you know this is Joe Fiorenza calling from Houston. How are you today? Oh I said I’m fine what’s up? He said, “Well, you know I love Denister so much as the general secretary and I need him. He does so many good things now I’ve cleared it with almost everyone that he can stay another year. The only thing
I need your yes and I’m sure that you won’t disappoint me I was a new bishop what could I say? I said yes he said Dad that’s wonderful. I thank you very much and he hung up right away.

Yes he was a great man who knew what he wanted and I cannot help but conclude with something he was known for along with Reverend Lawson and Rabbi Karth and that is to be one of the “Three Amigos” in their time together in Houston. They did incredible things each of them was a virtue also in his own right within their congregation but they came together and they caused all manner of brilliant things to happen in Houston and for a level of Common Sense and Concord to Prevail. In this city where there were difficulties but where in other cities the Concord didn’t prevail because they didn’t have the “Three Amigos” I’d like to refer to them sometimes in classical music. You have a trio of three virtuosos who are each on a different instrument and they’re excellent each in their own instrument. Then you put them all together and the sound that comes out is incredible Concord Beauty Justice and good will and that’s what the “Three Amigos” did for the City of Houston and their memory continues to echo on. So to all of you who are here today thank you Rabbi thanks Reverend Lawson thank you both for being here. Thanks for being present as we bid farewell to a great man with a huge sense of humor, and a wonderful sense of Italian appetite. Brothers and Sisters you can’t go wrong when you have that combination. We’re going to say the final prayers of commendation. I thank you all for being here. May God bless you all, especially his family, constant Grace. Let us take leave of our brother. May our farewell express our affection for him may it ease our sadness and strengthen our hope. One day we shall joyfully greet him again when the love of Christ which conquers All Things destroys even death itself.

We commend our brother Joseph in the sure and certain hope that together, with all who have died in Christ, he will rise with him on the last day. We give you thanks for the blessings which you bestowed on Bishop Joseph in this life Lord. They are signs to us of your goodness and of our fellowship with the Saints in Christ. Merciful Lord, turn towards us and listen to our prayers please. Open the gates of paradise to your servant and help us who remain to continue to comfort one another with assurances of faith until we all meet in Christ and are with you and our brother Joseph forever through Christ, Our Lord Amen.

When I worked at the Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston, The Office of African American Ministries at St. Dominic’s Center, the Archbishop was Joseph Anthony Fiorenza. I earned less than $10 an hour as a Secretary for Charlotte T. Davis, Director. Fr. Rossi was the Controller and Fred handled Human Resources. Everyday, I went to mass at noon and had lunch on campus. I never missed a day being a single Mom to 2 little boys who depended on me for their every need. I worked with all the African American Parishes in Harris County plus with Sister Grace who was the Superintendent of Catholic Schools in Houston, Texas. Personally, I was dating Ronald Ray Bell. He worked graveyards for Harris County handling personal recognizance paperwork for those arrested in the municipality. He also was a Reservist for the US Army as a General or Major – I can’t recall which. Looking back I never considered him seriously. I liked him as we were both in need of genuine companionship. I hope he remembers me as a friend as I do him. We didn’t have a romantic future but I am okay with that. One day I went into my office and couldn’t sign into my computer. Charlotte would not answer her office door and Sister Grace witnessed the whole thing.

What did I do? I went to see Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza! I met with his Secretary first and explained the situation. She led me to Archbishop. He listened and I was relieved. He wasn’t condescending to me. He didn’t judge me. He actually KNEW who I was! Yes, I worked on the chancery level. However, the Aux Bishop who managed our ministry was Auxillary Bishop Curtis Guillory from Louisiana. Bishop Guillory always ignored me. I don’t think I had one conversation with him ever. On Christmas, he came by and gave me $100 cash as a present. Now, you KNOW daycare was $125 a week for Joseph and after school care for Jonathan was $75 as he was in music and learning the xylophone at the time.

Well, Archbishop just listened to me and told me his office would be in touch. A week later I heard back and Sister Grace shared what she witnessed as well. I was so embarrassed… I was the Secretary at The Office of African American Ministries and my Director and Aux Bishops were African Americans. The Archbishop who was Italian American listened to me and blessed me.

Throughout the years I have met anointed, consecrated, exceptional people. I am grateful to Elohim for this. One of these marvelous souls was Archbishop Joseph A. Fioreza. May God be with his spirit.

Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza (1931-2022)

SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

Office of Communications

Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza, the long-time bishop of Galveston-Houston and a tireless social justice advocate throughout his priesthood, episcopacy and in retirement, died September 19, 2022. He was 91.

The Beaumont native served as bishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston from 1985 to 2006 and was made Archbishop in 2004, when the diocese was elevated to the status of archdiocese by St. Pope John Paul II.

“Archbishop Fiorenza was known to be a champion of civil rights and a tireless worker in overcoming the presence of racism in our community. He was also known as a great promoter of genuine renewal in the Church, and in making the teachings of the Second Vatican Council known,” said Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston.

Cardinal DiNardo succeeded Archbishop Fiorenza as Archbishop of Galveston-Houston in 2006.

Funeral Arrangements for Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza

Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
1111 St. Joseph Parkway
Houston, Texas 77002

Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Solemn Reception of the Body
7:00 p.m.
Visitation with Fiorenza Family Present
7:15 – 9:00 p.m.
Rosary
8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Lying in State
9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Solemn Vigil Liturgy
7:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 29, 2022
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.

Rite of Committal Following Mass – Private

The Solemn Reception of the Body, the Vigil Service and Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the Archdiocesan website at www.archgh.org/live

Due to the space limitations of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for the Funeral Mass, we are encouraging the public to honor the Archbishop with your presence while the Archbishop is lying in state throughout the day on Wednesday or that evening at the Vigil Service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Archbishop Fiorenza’s memory to the C.R.O.S.S. Academies and to Casa Juan Diego.

Above all else, the Faithful of the Archdiocese and of the whole Church are invited to pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Fiorenza, and for the consolation of his family and many friends in this time of grief.

Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
Amen.

Rabbi David Lyon of Congregation Beth Israel, which was previously led by Archbishop Fiorenza’s long-time friend Rabbi Samuel Karff, shared this message to the Archdiocese:

“Archbishop Fiorenza was an extraordinary soul and decent man. His service to the diocese and to those who lived beyond it knew that he cared about them unconditionally. My predecessor, Rabbi Samuel Karff, of blessed memory, considered Archbishop Fiorenza to be a partner in sacred work with Rev. Lawson, lovingly known as the Three Wise Men, or the Three Amigos. Likewise, when Rabbi Karff died and I became a third Amigo with Rev. Lawson, Archbishop continued to embrace me as he embraced Sam. There was always more to do to improve the community entrusted to us. In heaven, Archbishop Fiorenza and Rabbi Karff will assist God in all that needs to be done. Now, as it was on earth, so it is above and beyond, Archbishop’s blessing will be with us.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet, Praised is the Judge of Truth.”

Rev. William A. “Bill” Lawson, who is pastor emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and a long-time friend of Archbishop Fiorenza shared this message to the Archdiocese:

“My friendship with Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza was a genuine one. I respect his title, but to me, he was always “Joe.” He shared my values to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and that we should love our neighbor as ourselves” (Luke 10:27). His leadership among the Catholic Bishops of America, and even his extraordinary involvement in the construction and planning of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, are a testament to his skills of collaboration.

In service to our faiths and shared values, Joe and I, along with the late Rabbi Samuel Karff, did our best to humbly answer the call in Isaiah (1:17) to do good, seek justice, and defend the oppressed. We worked to de-segregate Houston’s schools and businesses, created alliances to provide solutions for Houston’s homeless, committed to increase Harris County’s responsiveness to the legal needs of the indigent and even labored to create a vision for age-friendly care which supports seniors who need geriatric services.

Joe spoke in a quiet voice, but he was a strong presence wherever he went.

My prayers are with the Fiorenza family and the many persons who, like me, loved him. I will always miss him.”

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following statement on the passing of Archbishop Fiorenza:

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of His Excellency, Joseph Fiorenza, the archbishop emeritus of Galveston-Houston. Archbishop Fiorenza led the bishops’ conference from 1998-2001 as president, and those who worked with him have expressed that his leadership embodied his love, dedication, and tireless service to the Church. I offer my prayers and sympathy to Archbishop Fiorenza’s family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched through his ministry over the years as a priest, and then as bishop. May the Lord grant him eternal rest.”

Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, served as vice-president for the U.S. Bishops Conference while Archbishop Fiorenza served as president. Cardinal Gregory shared a statement online:

“I lost a cherished friend & mentor with the death of Archbishop Fiorenza. I was lucky to work with him as his Vice-President of the USCCB. His love for everyone in the Church was legendary. His Texas-sized heart – his home state brimmed over with love.”

City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner shared this statement on the passing of Archbishop Fiorenza:

“The City of Houston is better today because of the leadership and presence of Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza. He was a man of devout faith, who walked with quiet confidence, but his countenance spoke volumes over the years.

Archbishop Fiorenza was the first Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and advocated for social justice issues, interfaith collaborations, and people of all socio-economic backgrounds. As part of his enduring legacy, he touched countless lives through his work to build the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart– Downtown and served as President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

As the head of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, he was a steadfast supporter of the “least of these” in our community. Unsurprisingly, he marched with Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1965 to support marchers seeking voting rights and promoting nonviolent change.

He was one of the “Three Amigos,” along with the late Rabbi Samuel E. Karff and Pastor William A. Lawson, who represented major pillars in our community.

Together, they were the quiet voices of reason, understanding, cooperation, and collaboration. Over the years, they represented the threads instrumental in keeping a diverse city together. Several times during my administration, all three have sat around my conference table or provided me with words of wisdom on a conference call.

In 2018, Archbishop Fiorenza agreed to serve as an honorary chair of the Mayor’s Task Force on Policing Reform. He demonstrated his unwavering commitment and courage to work for peace and unity. He was instrumental in bringing people together regardless of religion or politics.

In 2018, I was honored to co-chair a ceremony celebrating the Archbishop for receiving the Spirit of Francis award as an individual who shares the vision of three monumental men – St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis, and the organization’s founder Father Francis Clement Kelley.
In Joseph A. Fiorenza, God sent us one of his best ambassadors. He worked to lift others and lead them to their salvation. He kept the faith, finished the course, and his work is done, and today, God called him home.”

Regina Rogers of the Anti-Defamation League’s Coalition for Mutual Respect shared this statement upon the passing of Archbishop Fiorenza:

“We are very saddened by the passing of our beloved Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, one of the founders of our ADL’s Coalition for Mutual Respect 27 years ago.

The Archbishop’s leadership, wisdom and extraordinary commitment were important from inception when he said, “The civility and tranquility of our city depend on mutual respect among all if its citizens. Any efforts to increase understanding and human dignity deserve city-wide support.”

With founding members Reverend William A. Lawson and Rabbi Samuel E. Karff, Archbishop Fiorenza was the third pillar of the Coalition’s cherished “Three Amigos,” who shared an impactful friendship that reflected love and harmony. The Three Amigos helped break down walls of divisiveness at the grassroots level and build relationships among people of different faiths and backgrounds. When Rabbi Karff passed away, they asked his successor Rabbi David Lyon to join them in their continued work to eradicate prejudice and hatred.

From marching in Selma to his role as a spiritual leader, Archbishop Fiorenza was a staunch supporter of human rights and passionate about causes involving social justice and equality. He also was a proud participant in Coalition interfaith exchanges and Nights of Harmony, always speaking out against any form of discrimination.

Today, September 19, would have been Rabbi Karff’s 91st birthday, and we are comforted by the vision of their reunion and celebration in heaven.

The 37 other members of our Coalition join me in extending our sympathies and love to the Archbishop’s family and friends, the diocese and thousands of individuals who did not know him personally but also are mourning his passing,

May the Archbishop’s legacy and life continue to be a blessing for all.”

Harris County Judge Lina Hildago shared this statement online:

“My heart is with the loved ones of Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza. His endless dedication to social justice, advocacy, and commitment to diversity will be remembered. Let’s continue in his footsteps to make this world a better place.”

Source: The Archdiocese Of Galveston/Houston

Joseph Fiorenzo was an American prelate of the Catholic church. He was the seventh bishop and the first archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in Texas, serving from 1985 to 2006.

Fiorenzo was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1954. His first assignment was as an assistant pastor of Queen of Peace Parish in Houston, where he remained for three years. In 1957, he became a professor of medical ethics at Sacred Heart Dominican College and chaplain of St. Joseph Hospital, both in Houston.

Fiorenzo was named bishop of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston by Pope John Paul II. He was installed by Archbishop Patrick Flores apostolic pro-nuncio.

Fiorenzo submitted his letter of retirement as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to Pope Benedict XVI in February 2006 at the mandatory retirement age of 75.

Joseph died on September 19, 2022. The actual cause of his death is unknown.