The Most Reverend John Bonnici has been a faithful priest, beloved pastor, trusted auxiliary bishop, wise counselor, and good friend during the nearly 17 years that I have been privileged to serve as Archbishop of New York. Pope Leo has chosen well in appointing him to serve as the Bishop of Rochester! While we will sure miss him here in the Archdiocese of New York, we are grateful that one of our neighboring dioceses will now experience his pastoral love.

He succeeds Bishop Salvatore Matano, who has been an outstanding shepherd of the Diocese of Rochester these past 12 years. I have admired his goodness, pastoral leadership, and sage advice, and know that he will be a valuable source of wisdom for Bishop Bonnici.