Reader Forum: New Catholic bishop for Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

July 19, 2007

Bishop David Zubik of Green Bay, Wis., a popular former auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh, was named bishop of his hometown Diocese of Pittsburgh yesterday morning. [ Read story ]

We asked readers what they thought of the selection. Here is a selection of their responses.

Bishop Zubick... married my husband and I over 27 years ago at Sacred Heart Church in Pittsburgh. He was so inspirational to everyone involved in our wedding. He listened to our opinions, our beliefs and our wishes with understanding and sincerity. We felt so blessed to have him perform our ceremony and we remember him fondly.

We know he will be an inspirational Bishop for the city of Pittsburgh and wish nothing but the best for him. The Diocese is very fortunate to have such a good man and spiritual leader.

Tom and Darlene Makara, Formerly of Pittsburgh,PA

While I congratulate Bishop Zubik, I was hoping and praying that Bishop Bradley would receive the Bishop position in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Better known to myself and many others as Fr. Paul, I spent many years with him when he was the Pastor of St. Sebastian's in the North Hills. From being a student in the grade school to a member of the CYO, Fr. Paul was always there to support the youth of the parish, an age group that is often overlooked by the Catholic faith. His guidance and support was integral to the Catholic development of many, myself included. Fr. Paul, your good works have not been overlooked. You've made a difference in my life.

Christine (Burtnett) Reilly, Johnson City, NY, Formerly of Ross Township

I would like to thank Pope Benedict for the outstanding selection of Bishop David Zubik. The Catholic Community of Pittsburgh will continue to grow and perform God's work under Bishop Zubik's guidance. My family will pray for him as he starts a new journey in life.

I pray for those who have chosen this forum to disparage the importance of this holy appointment. The spiritual leader of over sixty percent of the Allegheny County faith community deserves respect and attention from the local media.

Adam James, Pittsburgh

Wow! A new Bishop! How about the poor boy that is missing? Try doing some investigatory pieces on him. Instead of stuffing Catholicism down our throats how about engaging in real journalism. Inform us on our military's pogress in Iraq without putting a political spin on it. How about doing something about gang violence? Write a story on how bad it actually is in our 'great' city. I would like to echo what others have said in that why is the fact that a new bishop is in town big news, front page stuff? Did you know that there is a new muslim cleric in the mosque? Not big news? Catholicism is the religion that is losing the most people. Write a story on why that is.

-Steve Rocco

To Bishop Zubik: Welcome home, Your Excellency! May God guide and inspire you in the years ahead as shepherd of our diocese.

To the posters who dragged off-topic issues into this forum: The question posed was "what do you think of the appointment of Bishop Zubik?" -- not a call for commentary on the Post Gazette's coverage of same. Can't we let the Bishop have his one homecoming day in the sun? If you have a gripe with the attention the P-G gave the story, write to the editorial page and let's debate it there.

By the way, we gawt a state relijin in dis tahn. It's called da Stillerz.

Dan Skantar, Oakdale

Truly, "Nothing is impossible with God!"

Our dear Bishop Zubik has returned home -- what a tremendous gift our Holy Father has given to our diocese. He is a gentle, loving, compassionate and brilliant leader who will touch the hearts of all the faithful. May God bless him and grant him many happy years as Bishop of Pittsburgh.

Lillian Label, Pittsburgh

Thank you God for Bishop David Zubik and I welcome him to Pittsburgh.

It seems that his views are right in line with the catholic teachings. People don't like to hear him speak out on abortion, Immigration and other issues. He is only speaking in favor of the one commandment we all need to follow, Love thy neighbor. That includes the unborn, politicians, illegal immigrants, Protestants, the rich, the poor, the bad and good and every human no matter their sins.

Tom Graf, Meyersdale, PA

What do I think? I think the local media is treating Catholicism as the state-sanctioned religion. But in the world of East-European Roman Catholic Democrats this may make sense to the region.

There's a missing 12-year old boy last seen Wednesday on Thackery Street. The paper says he's black with a light complexion. We can accept tons of coverage about a cleric, but we get a snippet of a precious child who is missing and the writer has to be careful to be politically correct about describing him as a black male with a light complexion.

If Zubik spends a few weeks in Rome in the summer, and then turns up missing, would we be looking for a two-sentence piece describing a dark white man?

David Marks, Duquesne

I had preferred Bishop Paul Bradley to be elevated to be in charge; but Bishop Zubik will likely have a strong tenure.

Bob Bixby, Ross Township

Bishop Zubik said that Catholic politicians who support legal abortion should refrain from going to communion. I wonder if Bishop Zubik feels the same way about politicians who support the death penalty, or sanctioning employers who hire illegal aliens, two issues this article states he opposes as well. Would he feel that supporters of the war in Iraq should also not receive communion? Or would people who oppose the war be the ones?

Thus are the dangers of mixing religion and politics -- it's a slippery slope into all manner of issues. I wish Bishop Zubik all the best in navigating these waters, and thank him for respecting that not everyone a Catholic politician serves shares Catholic beliefs.

Duane Galensky, Beallsville PA

I met Bishop Zubik in a meeting to talk about the closure of St Michael's Church on the South Side. I had a great deal of respect for him after that meeting in 1995. I hoped after that meeting that he would someday become our Bishop. He was caring!

In the weeks after the meeting, I spoke with my cousin the late Carmen Muraca who had met Bishop Zubik at Holy Angels. My cousin told me that Father Dave was cool, a really great guy. In my experience, all of our Auxiliary Bishops McDowell, Winter, Bradley and a lot of our priests have those same qualities.

I think Bishop Zubik will be like Bishop Leonard. Sometimes the soft spoken people are the most powerful you ever meet. I now think the Diocese of Pittsburgh's brightest days are ahead. I truly hope for final closure for the people of the former St. Michaels's and all of the other parishes that were closed. Thanks Pope Benedict! We've been praying for this one!

Vito Capaccio

I was delighted to hear the news this morning that the Vatican had

chosen a bishop from Pittsburgh to come home to the diocese he left just a few years ago. Bishop Bradley did a superb job, and many of us were hoping that he would be chosen as our bishop, yet because these two men have worked so closely and well before, I believe the Diocese is in good hands. The Spirit has blessed this diocese with many gifted leaders. I have no doubt that we just got another one. I and many others say, "Welcome home, Bishop. Godspeed."

Sr. Rita Yeasted, SFCC Pittsburgh, PA

Fr. Dave is a deeply spiritual, compassionate and very intellectual man and an exceptional role model for our youth today. He will reach all people of Pittsburgh and bring home some of those who had questions regarding their faith. I am sure that God has sent us the very best choice to fill the needs of our diocese.

Barb Kotarba, Sewickley

That's great news! I think the people of this city and the diocese should be estatic to see Father Dave (as I know him) coming home! Myself and my family wish him the best!

Scott Stewart, Ambridge

I am extremely happy that Bishop Zubik has returned to Pittsburgh. His speaking style was that of a man talking to only one person; it was a one-on-one style of preaching but at the same time, I would still feel that he was speaking all-inclusively. I felt that he united the congregation. Bishop Zubik is a loving person of great faith which I could always see in the manner in which he celebrated the Mass each time I attended his Confirmations, and not least, in how he talked to the young people. When I saw his picture and name mentioned in the paper yesterday of his possible appointment, I never really expected to feel such a personal sense of relief. Welcome home Bishop Zubik!

Diane Mousseau, Plum

I am extremely pleased with the appointment of Bishop Zubik. Before he left for Green Bay, the Bishop often said mass in my parish (Holy Angels in Hays). What I most like about him is his personal and relevant theological ideas; I never left mass without knowing how to apply the Gospel to my life every day. He is a loving man of strong faith, and that is evident in his every word and action. That, combined with his knowledge and skills will make him an excellent leader for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Welcome home, Bishop Zubik!

Julie Mutmansky, West Mifflin

It is with great joy that I welcome Bishop Zubik back to the Diocese of Pittsburgh. I had the great privilege of working with him in our diocesan administration. Bishop Zubik is a prayerful, caring leader.

Sister Margaret Hannan,
President, Sisters of Mercy
Regional Community of Pittsburgh

To Whom It May Concern:

Bishop Zubik's appointment pleases me, as it gives me great hope for his support of the Catholic identity of Mercy Hospital when the hospital merges with UPMC. Bishop Zubik has great loyalty to and love for Mercy Hospital.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Sincerely,

Sr. Patricia Mary Hespelein, RSM
Vice President, Mission Integration
Pittsburgh Mercy Health System

I think it's great news. I hope he's not a Packers fan... LET'S GO STEELERS!!!

Mike Wiegand, North Side

First of all, my heart goes out to the people of the Diocese of Green Bay to be losing their good bishop so soon after receiving him.

Second, I rejoice with the people of Pittsburgh, for Bishop Zubik is already dearly loved here.

Third, I rejoice with Bishop Zubik, for he truly loves this diocese.

Carol Crawford, Saint Alexis Parish

First of all I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to our interim administrator Bishop Paul J. Bradley for stepping up to the plate and hitting a home run in his care of the flock in the diocese of Pittsburgh. Bishop Bradley is a giant of love and compassion who possesses many leadership gifts and I'm sure that God's Providence has a particularly wonderful plan for him in the days ahead.

Secondly, I want to congratulate Bishop Zubik on his appointment. Green Bay's loss is truly our gain in so many ways with all the gifts that God has endowed on our new bishop. I was fortunate for many years to be able to attend his Mass and hear his homily on Sundays at my home parish of Madonna of Jerusalem in Sharpsburg. It was there and through Bishop Zubik's Masses that my older sister finally returned to the practice of her faith. It was clear back then that God had many special things for this priest to do for his church and we're all thrilled that at least now some of those things will be done as our Bishop.

Both Bishops will continue to be remembered in my daily prayers.

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!!!

Suzanne Postava, Sharpsburg

I have to echo congratulations to Bishop Zubik, being a lifelong Catholic and a longtime volunteer at my parish I can not be happier. I can remember nearly a year ago when the article was in the paper, featuring a number of priests and bishops who might be in line for the position (Bishop Zubik) being one of them. I was hopeful at that point but, I just did not think that there was much of a chance of him coming back so soon. I have been sharing stories with people at work all morning about how well the Bishop treated people at the TCEC conference at the convention center. I am looking forward to a hopefully long term with Bishop Zubik, after so many years of service to the Diocese of Pittsburgh there can be no doubt how much he cares about the people of Pittsburgh. Just one closing comment Thank you Pope Benedict XVI !

Lou Ann Shannon , Pittsburgh, Pa

Absolutely awesome! Bishop David A. Zubik commands respect but has never demanded it. I met Bishop Zubik while attending Sacred Heart in Shadyside in 1975. He continues to exemplify how a good, decent, sincere, devoted man, filled with the Holy Spirit, consistently conducts his life. I would observe him when he was with parents and actually SEE love. That alone speaks for itself. I remember after his installation as an Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh; I asked him " How should I address you now?" His response was" How have you addressed me in the past?" I said as "Father Dave." His reply was" Then that is what you should continue to call me."

How cool was that comment?

Congratulations to Father Dave and thank you Father Paul ;-)

Megan Carey Shanley Penn Hills, PA.

All I can say is Congratulations Bishop Zubik and welcome home! Bishop Zubik was a great friend to our family especially my Aunt Kathleen who is mentally challenged and grandmother who passed away in 1997. Right after Bishop Zubik was ordained as a Pittsburgh Bishop with a very busy schedule he came to Allegheny General Hospital in the wee morning hours in August of 1997 to give my dying grandma her last rights after our home parish priest who was too busy to come. I applaud the decision of our Pope to make Bishop Zubik our new Pittsburgh leader. My sincerest congratulations!

Beth Ann Novak (Monroeville, PA)

As a Past State Deputy of the Pennsylvania Knights of Columbus, I am very pleased with the selection of my good friend, Most Reverend David Zubik, as Bishop of Pittsburgh.

Having known Bishop Zubik for several years before he was Ordained as an Auxillary Bishop, it was my distinct honor to enroll him as a member of the Knights of Columbus in 1999. As an added honor, I personally Exemplified the first three degrees of our Order to him in his office downtown.

A few years later, I was given the honor of Knighting him as a "Sir Knight" of the 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus.

I believe that we are getting a very spiritual man of vision to lead our diocese for the next several years. He will continue, and possibly improve upon the many initiatives begun by now Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl while he was Bishop of Pittsburgh and so ably maintained by Auxiallary Bishop Paul Bradley as Administrator of the Diocese for the past year.

We wish him all of God's Blessings for a successful tenure as our Shepard.

Joseph A. Cummings, Mars PA

I think it's great news. Bishop Zubik is from my hometown as well and he's done a lot of great work. We were sad to see him go to Green Bay and I'm glad he's back. He will be a good leader for the Diocese.

Donald Kelly, Ambridge, PA

This happened when the last Pope died, and is continuing in the local media as this new bishop is assigned. Some of us are Protestant, and really don't care. More importantly, I resent being referred to a "non-Catholic."

Jeffrey A. Kash, Hungarian Reformed Church of Duquesne

I was a young parishoner at Sacred Heart when we were blessed by the arrival of a young priest named David Zubik. Father Dave, as we called him, immediately fit in with the parishoners.I don't think that I have ever met a man of the cloth who is more devout. So strong in beliefs, yet friendly and easy to speak to.

The Pittsburgh Diocese has been blessed by Pope Benedict through the appointment of Bishop David Zubik.

Paul B MacIntyre, White Oak

We think that the selection of Bishop David Zubik is fantastic. Having a bishop from the Pittsburgh area will benefit the entire city.

Bob and Tiffany Kocan, Cecil Township

I am surprised and somewhat disappointed. I feel that w/all the work that Father Paul Bradley has done, in the interim, as Auxiliary Bishop, made him the perfectly obvious choice for Pittsburgh's new Bishop. He deserved the position. I am sure he will graciously serve where he is needed, but I think he got ripped off.

Jennifer L Micklow

First published on July 18, 2007 at 8:41 am