(March 23, 2004) – Words are inadequate to express my joy and thanks to our Holy Father Pope John Paul II for appointing me Bishop of Camden. This is truly a return home for me. I was born, raised, and educated in the Delaware Valley- albeit on the other side of the river. I was a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and although I left this area in 1987, I have maintained a home at the shore since 1983. For me South Jersey is home.
The bishops who have gone before me have shepherded this Church with great wisdom and foresight, and love for the people entrusted to them. A special word of thanks must be offered to those Camden Bishops I have personally known: Bishops George Guilfoyle, James McHugh and Nicholas DiMarzio who have made lasting contributions to the building up of this Church. I thank them as well as Bishops Eustace, McCarthy and Archbishop Damiano for having laid such deep and firm foundations. Please pray that I may live up to the example that they have all set. A special word of thanks is due to Msgr. Thomas Morgan who has guided the diocese over the past months. He has been a good and faithful steward and I am grateful to him for his service and to those who worked with him.
Thank you as well to all the priests in the diocese for their constant fidelity When I became a bishop I chose as my motto Have the mind of Jesus. This remains my goal and my desire for myself as well as for all of us. I invite all of you to join with me in coming to know Jesus more intimately, to love Jesus more ardently, and to live Jesus more totally. I eagerly look forward to coming to know and to collaborate with the laity, religious and clergy of our Diocese.