Bishop-elect Bevard models
a life of loving service
The appointment by Pope Benedict XVI of a Philadelphia priest to become the new bishop of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands says much about how most Catholics experience their faith, through their parish. As such, it also says a lot about love.
Like so many pastors, Bishop-elect Herbert Bevard loves the people of God at St. Athanasius Parish, where he serves as pastor. It is a selfless, self-sacrificing and committed love for his parishioners. They in turn love one another more fully and commit themselves more deeply to serving the parish and the West Oak Lane community.
Every Christian knows that Jesus Christ loves us. In His providence, He established the Church to gather us together and enable us to know and love God, and each other, more deeply.
The pastors of the Church reflect that divine love. Acting in the place of Jesus, a priest places his whole life in service of the people entrusted to his care.
The fulfillment of the priesthood in the episcopacy, to which Bishop-elect Bevard will be elevated, stands as another sign of that love. In his role as bishop, he will teach the faith, sanctify the people of God and administer the goods of the Church in his diocese.
As successors of the apostles, Bishops ensure that Jesus’ love for his flock continues through them. Bishops thus are a living sign of that love of Jesus for His Church, since the Bishop stands in the person of Christ, the head.
Catholics see this love in action week in and week out, year after year, by the work and witness of their own pastors. They teach the faith to children and adults. They bless parishioners through the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, which makes Christ present among His people. And pastors administer the goods of the parish, be it humble and struggling to make ends meet, or large with numerous ministries that challenge management skills.
Bishop-elect Bevard’s 14 years of service at St. Athanasius Parish typifies the faithful and hard-working pastors in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
That is why Catholics view his appointment as a matter of pride for the whole Archdiocese. He has followed Christ’s example as the servant-leader and fulfills our Lord’s command to love one another as He has loved us.
The Archdiocese congratulates Bishop-elect Bevard and wishes him God’s rich blessings for many years — ad multos annos!