PRESS CONFERENCE INTRODUCES NEW BISHOP TO MEDIA, CLERGY AND CATHOLIC COMMUNITY LEADERS

It was all hush-hush due to what is called the pontifical secret, but if one put together what little news was leaked, one sensed the importance of the event. With just one day's notice, Msgr. Jerome Feudjio, Vicar for Priests and Religious, invited the media, clergy and Catholic community leaders to attend a press conference at Holy Family Church's Columban Hall on July 7 at 10:00 a.m. No other information could be revealed.

At that hour, Msgr. Michael Kosak, Diocesan Administrator, entered the room with a stranger dressed as a monsignor. On the way to the dias, he quietly introduced to those along the way "our new bishop, Msgr. Herbert Bevard."

Msgr. Kosak offered a prayer as well as a summary of the events that led to the appointment of a new bishop for the diocese. Then Bishop-elect Bevard spoke.

"I have been transferred to paradise," he said to the gathering, clearly excited about his new assignment. Although he had been on St. Thomas less than a day, he had visited a few of the churches and remarked that he found Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral to be beautiful. He added that he does not like to say goodbye, so he hopes to be in the Virgin Islands for the rest of his ministry.

 

 

Bishop-elect Herbert Bevard was introduced by Msgr. Michael Kosak, Diocesan Administrator, to begin the press conference.

 

Bishop-elect Bevard shared his enthusiasm for his new ministry.

 

Senator Shawn-Michael Malone and Very Rev. Neil Scantlebury chatted casually with Bishop-elect Bevard after the press conference.

 

 

Claire Foster of the Knights of Malta received a birthday blessing.