Thank You, Archbishop Fiorenza, for your ministry, we will miss you

September 19, 2022

Thank You, Archbishop Fiorenza for your many years of ministry

            Beaumont native Joseph Anthony Fiorenza died today, Sept. 19, 2022, at the age of 91. He is remembered with great love by his many friends and relatives in our area.
He was born January 25, 1931, the son of a Sicilian immigrant. In Beaumont he graduated from St. Anthony High School (forerunner to Msgr. Kelly Catholic High School) at age 16. While there he was student body president and football team captain.
            He entered the seminary and was ordained in 1954 for the Diocese of Galveston, he served in three parishes in the Houston area before his appointment as chancellor of the Galveston-Houston diocese, the largest diocese in the state.
            Pope John Paul II appointed him the fourth bishop of the Diocese of San Angelo in September 1979. He took Thy Kingdom Come as his episcopal motto.
            Bishop Fiorenza was named as the shepherd of Galveston-Houston Diocese in December 1984 and installed February 18, 1985. Pope Benedict XVI elevated the diocese to the status of archdiocese and naming Fiorenza archbishop. He retired as archbishop of Galveston-Houston in February 2006.
            Bishop Fiorenza served as president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (now the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops). In 2018 he received the Spirit of Francis Award from Catholic Extension for his missionary work and spirit.
            We will miss you.

Please pray for the repose of his soul and for the consolation of his family and friends.
May he rest in the peace of Christ, the Risen Lord.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.