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On February 15, 1983, Pope John Paul II
accepted Bishop McCormick's resignation. It had been tendered to the Holy See the previous
December when he had reached the mandatory retirement age of 75. Three months later, May
6, 1983, the name of his successor was announced. The papal choice fell to Bishop John J.
O'Connor, a native of Philadelphia who had enjoyed a distinguished career as a naval
chaplain. Rising through the ranks, Bishop O'Connor served as Chief of Chaplains,
Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of the Military Vicariate, attaining the rank of Rear
Admiral. |
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When the future Cardinal Archbishop
of New York was installed as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Scranton on June 29,
1983, he captivated the hearts and minds of all Catholics. His presence commanded
attention and respect. His awareness of individuals, their hopes, aspirations, and desires
brought him an empathy that no one else could duplicate. His humor was self-deprecating
and therefore appreciated. As the days turned into weeks, his acclaim enveloped everyone
in Northeastern Pennsylvania regardless of religious, economic, political, or social
status.
Bishop O'Connor's stay, however, was all too
short. In the eight months before he moved onto his next assignment, new lines of
communication were opened. Interviews were welcomed. Contacts were multiplied. Whirlwind
visits to every sector of the diocese were arranged. Media usage was effectively broadened
to promote the interests of the Catholic Church, its people, and its programs. Because his
image was that of a loving and caring shepherd of the flock, morale rose to new heights.
So, when he announced that the diocese would embark upon its own renewal through the
convocation of the Second Diocesan Synod, the popular reaction was one of overwhelming
approval. It seemed his surprises would never end.
Then, on January 26,1984, the dream was shattered. Pope
John Paul II stunned the Roman Catholic world by selecting Bishop John O'Connor as the new
Archbishop of New York City. The wealth of experience Cardinal O'Connor gained during his
military ministry allowed him to shape the future of our Diocese, and gave him the
authority to speak for the Roman Catholic Church in the United States in his new
assignment
March 11, 1984, was another turning point. That was the day
Bishop O'Connor bade farewell to 5,000 well-wishers at a Pontifical Mass celebrated in the
University of Scranton's John Long Center. |
