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May 7, 2019 | The Valley Catholic
THANK YOU BISHOP MCGRATH
Bishop DuMaine Retires; Bishop McGrath Succeeds
(Editor’s Note: This article first ap-
peared in the December 14, 1999 issue
of The Valley Catholic.)
SAN JOSE, CA-At the request of
Bishop Pierre DuMaine, 68, who wishes
to retire from diocesan administra-
tion, Pope John Paul II has accepted
his resignation as Bishop of San Jose,
effective Saturday, Nov. 27, 1994, as
announced on that date by Archbishop
Gabriel Montalvo, Apostolic Nuncio to
the United States.
Bishop Patrick J. McGrath (pro-
nounced: mcgrah), 54, who had been
coadjutor bishop since June 30, 1998,
immediately succeeded him, becoming
the second bishop to head the Roman
Catholic Diocese of San Jose. A coadju-
tor bishop automatically succeeds his
predecessor.
Bishop DuMaine said, in a Nov. 27
statement, “Today’s announcement that
Pope John Paul II has confirmed the
succession of Bishop Patrick J. McGrath
as second Bishop of San Jose is an occa-
sion for great joy and gratitude for all
the priests and people of our diocese
and for me personally.
“The Holy Father’s action is the wel-
Sean McGrath, Bishop Pierre DuMaine, Bishop Patrick McGrath, and Frances McGrath.
come culmination of a plan I proposed
to the Holy See over two years ago,” he
said, “which addressed new needs and
challenges in our maturing diocese as
well as my personal interests.
“Bishop McGrath brings to our
diocese his own vision and energy for
continued vigor and new initiatives.
“The transition also enables me to
refocus my own ministry as bishop
Bishop McGrath, thank you
for your passionate commitment to
Catholic education. May God continue
to bless you and your ministry.
A RC H BI SHOP M I T T Y H IGH S C HO OL
5000 Mitty Avenue - San Jose, California 95129
to give more time to teaching, writing
and pastoral service,” Bishop DuMaine
said.
People of every age warmly greeted
the second Bishop of San Jose, Nov. 28,
following Bishop McGrath’s Mass at
St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, the first
at which he presided as bishop of the
diocese. Retired bishops retain mem-
bership in the National Conference of
Catholic Bishops as well as sacramental
faculties appropriate to bishops.
Bishop McGrath, in his Nov. 27
statement, said, “I wish to express my
admiration and gratitude to Bishop
Pierre, who has been ever kind, hospi-
table and supportive during my time as
his coadjutor bishop. I have learned a
great deal from observing his skills and
dedication as shepherd and apostle.”
Bishop McGrath noted that during
his 14 months as coadjutor he had visit-
ed most of the institutions and agencies
in the diocese and praised the priests,
nuns and lay people who minister in
parishes, schools and social services.
“It has become clear to me that the
Church of San Jose is in all respects
alive and vibrant in witnessing to the
community the Good News of our
Lord’ he said. “This is a testament to
the wise shepherding and dedicated
service of Bishop Pierre DuMaine who
has built this local church on a firm
foundation.”
Bishop McGrath was officially wel-
comed to the Diocese of San Jose in a
special Mass on Sept. 17, 1998.
Continued on page 9