Out of sight ...

     We all remember the old saying "Out of sight, out of mind".  It often comes to mind when I am praying the Eucharistic prayer at liturgy.  We pray for the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, and our bishop, Lawrence.  I have always added, "and for his brother bishop, Anthony".  With that I remember and include our retired bishop emeritus, Bishop Anthony G. Bosco, who lives in  Greensburg.   But I wonder how many of us do remember him in our thoughts and prayers?

     Bishop Bosco served as our third bishop here in Greensburg from June 30, 1987 through January 2, 2004 - for seventeen years. Prior to coming to be our shepherd, he served as a priest and Auxiliary Bishop in the Pittsburgh Diocese for many years.  In retirement he lives near the Bishop Connare Center off of route 30 East of Greensburg.  He is close to eighty-four and has served as a priest for nearly fifty-nine years and as a bishop for over forty.  I believe he is enjoying his retirement, keeping busy with a variety of things.

     Bishop Bosco was not always appreciated or understood during his time of leadership with us.  Part of that was his "being the boss" and making difficult decisions, and another part of that may have been due to his personality, for he is a quiet, reserved individual.  But he was a good administrator.  He loved young people and had close bonds with high school and college age kids over the years.  He enjoyed the Diocesan Youth Gatherings.  His respect for young people in his courses at Seton Hill and on-line at the University of Dayton, continued until just recently, drawing the admiration of his students.  He had a clear vision of the role of the laity in the life of the Church, and sought to strengthen their roles. 

     I would like to share three personal memories of Bishop Bosco.  First, years ago three of our priests were visiting in Rome at the same time as the bishop.  He met with us and invited us out to a great dinner, with informal conversation, good food, great wine, and gellato afterwards.  Secondly, when I was in Masontown at All Saints, for the Marian Year in the 80's, we placed a statue of the Blessed Mother on the church grounds, and invited Bishop Bosco to bless it on Mothers's Day.  He came and shared with us (even though his own mother was still living ... and even though we never got "permission" for the expenditure).  We had a wonderful time.  And lastly, in his retirement, he took great joy in the companionship of Joshua, his dog.  After many years, Joshua died.  My sister, Janie, sent him a card expressing her sadness and prayers for him.  One day at our family home in Uniontown, the phone rings and it is Bishop Bosco.  He thanked Janie for her note, and they had a conversation about the closeness of pets in our lives.

     I do not drop him a line as often as I should ... but I keep him in thought and prayer daily. as I pray for him in the Eucharistic Prayer.  Just because he may be out of sight ... please keep him in your hearts and prayers.   Thanks, Bishop Bosco.