At last Mass in Pittsburgh, Archbishop Wuerl looks back at 18 years

Published: 2006-06-22

PITTSBURGH (CNS) -- Celebrating his last Mass in St. Paul Cathedral as head of the Pittsburgh Diocese, Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl said the best gift he has exchanged with the faithful of the diocese has been the walk with them. "Know that I shall always cherish our years together, our efforts, our challenges. And our journey together," he said. "May God always bless you and this holy church of Pittsburgh." During the June 11 Mass at the Pittsburgh cathedral, more than 1,900 people bid farewell to the prelate, who was named to head the Washington Archdiocese May 16. Archbishop Wuerl had been head of the Pittsburgh Diocese for 18 years. He was installed as archbishop of Washington June 22. "He's a man that we greatly admire," said Dianne Deiseroth of St. Bernard Parish in Mount Lebanon. "It's our way of saying thank you and how grateful we are for him." Added her daughter, Danielle, 10: "I'm going to miss him a lot."

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