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OUR BISHOP Just before he was going into surgery at St. Francis, Father Chadwick had a warm and very encouraging visit from Bishop Murphy. That evening Father Chadwick called me to tell me that everything went great and that it was a real boost to have the bishop come to visit. The same thing happened recently when Father was in St. Francis for a cardiac problem-Bishop Murphy was there for him smiling, and filled with op-timism and prayer. There is a particular reason I wanted you to know this and that is because of the negative publicity our bishop has received for quite some time. Only recently you probably heard that a number of priests (50 to 60) had signed a letter indicating that they wanted to meet with him. Bishop Murphy enjoys being with priests and discussing things with them. As a matter of fact, it is his practice to meet in small groups with the priests of a deanery (an area) once a year. These meetings feature a luncheon, a talk by the bishop and an interchange of ideas and hopes for the Diocese. They are meant to create an open relationship between the bishop and his priests. In addition to that, on Monday evenings when he is free, Bishop Murphy has the custom of inviting ten priests to his rectory for evening prayer and dinner. It is a relaxed, informal occasion and the food is simple, but very good. Father Nuss and I have both attended these dinners and found them to be very pleasant. Not only do we get to talk with the bishop, but we also have the opportunity to meet with priests Because I am a member of the Senate of Priests I meet monthly with the bishop and his auxiliary bishops and the other members of the Senate. Bishop Murphy makes it a point at these meetings to ask each bishop and priest to express any ideas or suggestions he might have-there are no holds barred. Very often as a priest or bishop speaks Bishop Murphy takes careful notes of the ideas being presented and often im-mediately tries to implement them. He is most interested in the needs and concerns of the people of the Diocese and that is why we are in the process of preparing for the Diocesan Synod. The bishop is Christ in our midst-he is our father given us by the Holy Father himself As such, the bishop of the diocese teaches, rules and sanctifies in the person of Christ and under the authority of the Pope. Because I have had the chance to work actively with Bishop Murphy. I have seen first-hand the depth of his charity, wisdom and love for the priests and people of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Time and time again, he inconveniences himself to visit the sick and dying, to teach in our schools and parishes, to give the sacraments and bring the peace of Christ to as many as he can. I can assure you he is worthy of our respect, trust and love. If you only knew how much he gives himself for us, you would see the priest
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