Asian leaders express gratitude as U.S. missionary, 78, retires

Published: 2004-09-03

BANGKOK, Thailand (CNS) -- The retirement of a U.S. missionary priest after more than three decades of service in Asia has triggered expressions of gratitude from Catholic leaders across the continent. Maryknoll Father Edward Malone, 78, left Hong Kong Aug. 31 for retirement in the United States after completing more than 30 years as assistant secretary-general of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. On Aug. 16, the day before the most recent Asian bishops' assembly opened in South Korea, Father Malone became ill and had to return to his base in Hong Kong. His absence from the proceedings moved the participants to compile a "Hearts for Father Malone" booklet containing scores of messages handwritten by cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, religious and lay people.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .