The Western Kentucky CATHOLIC The Western Kentucky Catholic Western Kentucky Catholic, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, Kentucky 42301 Volume 37, Number 3, March, 2010 Most Rev. William F. Medley Ordained As Fourth Bishop Of The Diocese Of Owensboro By Dawn Ligibel his ordination, the Bishop said, “I get in OWENSBORO,Ky. - Bishop William trouble every time I do this, but I’m going Francis Medley, who was ordained as the to ask her to stand up.” Once again, the fourth bishop of Owensboro on Wednes- crowd was moved to an extended applause day, February 10, 2010 in the Owensboro when Dorothy Medley stood. Sportscenter, seemingly slipped into his The lightheartedness in Bishop Med- new role as Bishop and shepherd of the ley’s voice diminished as he remembered Western Kentucky faithful with the appar- his father. “My father left us 35 years ago ent ease of a man slipping into a pair of and I’ve missed him a lot the past few familiar and comfortable slippers. weeks, more so than usual,” the Bishop After completing the rites of ordina- said with a thickening throat. tion, Bishop Medley was led to his chair, “I have been humbled and over- known as his cathedra, by Archbishop whelmed by the welcome I have received,” Joseph Kurtz, the Archbishop of Louisville Bishop Medley continued. “I embrace this and the principal ordaining bishop. When calling with faith and confidence. I must Bishop Medley took his seat he literally be a good listener and a good student. I beamed as the congregation of more than must listen and learn from you and to the 5,000 people gave him a standing ovation. wisdom the Holy Spirit has imparted on If a smile could be measured in the same this Church,” Bishop Medley added with units as a light bulb, Bishop Medley’s humility. smile may have reached 10,000 watts. At the heart of the ordination ceremony, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, Archbishop of The Bishop then made reference to Following the ovation, each bishop in Louisville, laid hands on William Francis Medley invoking the power of the Holy the growing Hispanic community in the attendance approached the new bishop and Spirit to ordain him as the fourth Bishop of Owensboro. The ordination ceremony Church of Western Kentucky. While he was held on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at the Sportscenter in Owensboro. offered him a fraternal kiss of peace, which Photo taken by Dawn C. Ligibel. admitted that he had not yet had the op- symbolizes his incorporation into the Col- portunity to associate with a Hispanic com- lege of Bishops. During this rite and the munity, he said, “That changes today.” He ered erupted in laughter. blessing of all those present, which took then poked fun at himself about his ability When addressing the faithful in at- place after communion, Bishop Medley’s to speak Spanish and said, “I will make a tendance, however, Bishop Medley said, broad smile remained firmly in place. feeble attempt to greet you” and proceeded “I’m strengthened in confidence with all After the blessing, Bishop Medley to speak in Spanish. these holy people praying for me. The spoke to the crowd, although he teased size and enthusiasm of this gathering tells Continued on page 2 that they nearly skipped his opportunity to of the vitality of the Church of Western speak. “They almost didn’t let me talk!” he Kentucky,” he stated. “This gathering exclaimed to the delight of the crowd. He evidences that this Church has been well went on to explain that the “prescription” led,” he added. for his remarks instructed that they be kept Another rousing ovation took place “brief.” When preparing his remarks, he when Bishop Medley honored and thanked consulted with Archbishop Kelly about Bishop Emeritus John McRaith for his what to say, and Archbishop replied, “Bill, many years of service. Bishop McRaith it’s not the academy awards!” shepherded the Church of Western Ken- opening remarks were indicative His tucky for 26 years before retiring. “If Service Change of his entire address which was sprinkled my ministry as bishop in some small way Requested with humor while interwoven with humil- mirrors yours,” he said speaking directly ity and gratitude. “I speak what every to Bishop McRaith, “it will indeed be fruit- person on earth should say every day, to ful.” God be the glory,” Bishop Medley pro- Some say that the measure of a man claimed. can be taken in the way he treats his mother. ishop Medley then recalled the B If this is the case, Bishop Medley’s mea- Owensboro, KY Permit No. 111 Newly ordained Bishop William Francis Nonprofit Org. phone call he received on December 3, U.S. Postage sure reaches great proportions, particularly 2009, from Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Medley took a seat in his cathedra and 42301 when he speaks of his mother, Dorothy. Paid Papal Nuncio to the United States. After beamed while receiving a standing “The family is where faith is nurtured and being asked to accept the appointment as ovation from a crowd of more than 5,000 grows,” claimed Bishop Medley. “My the Bishop of Owensboro, Bishop Medley people. Bishop Medley was ordained as the fourth bishop of Owensboro on mother embodies that Catholic spirit,” he told the crowd that his first thought was Wednesday, February 10, 2010. Photo added. After expressing great joy in the “Oh, goodness.” Once again those gath- taken by Dawn C. Ligibel. fact that she was well enough to attend 2 Most Rev. William F. Medley Ordained As Fourth Bishop Of The Diocese Of Owensboro Bishop Medley then concluded by first the current condition of the Church, but He seems to be a man humble enough to be aware of the awesome responsibility of his joking at the need to wrap up his remarks to be more like a compass needle. “Be a new office, yet confident enough to be grateful for the opportunity. Additionally, if the for them to still be considered “brief.” He compass that leads to Christ, who is the enthusiasm of the crowd gathered for the new Bishop’s ordination was any indication, finished by saying, “I am happy to be your way, the truth and the light,” explained God, through Pope Benedict XVI, has made a more than suitable selection for the shepherd and your servant. I love you and Archbishop Kurtz. fourth bishop of Owensboro. will serve you as long as I am able, to the Following the homily, Archbishop greater glory of God.” Kurtz posed numerous questions to the Bishop William Medley’s Calendar Before Bishop Medley enjoyed the Bishop-elect regarding his resolve to for March, 2010 spotlight as the fourth bishop of Owens- uphold the faith and to fulfill the responsi- Tuesday, March 2 boro, the Bishop-elect sat quietly before bilities of his office, to which Bishop-Elect 9:00 a.m. Catholic Pastoral Center Staff Meeting his ordination. Although he was already Medley firmly responded, “I will.” Later 11:15 a.m. ACE Notre Dame Survey Presentation, wearing his stole, chasuble (a ceremonial during his remarks, Bishop Medley jok- St. Pius X, Owensboro cloak open on the sides) and zucchetto (the ingly referred to how “the Church takes 6:00 p.m. Serra Club Charter Night small cap worn at the crown of the head) no chances” by asking so many specific Thursday, March 4 as indicated by the Roman Rite, he didn’t questions of the Bishop being ordained. 10:35 a.m. Owensboro Catholic High School Mass receive the other signs of his office until After answering each question with Sunday, March 7 after the ordination was complete. confidence, the Bishop-elect prostrated 10:30 a.m. Youth 2000 Mass, Brescia University The ordination itself was carried out himself before the three ordaining bishops Bishop William Medley Wednesday, March 10 primarily by Archbishop Kurtz, who was as the litany of saints was prayed. Bishop- Bryan Leazenby Photo 12:00 noon Rotary Club Meeting accompanied by Bishop-emeritus John J. elect Medley then knelt before Archbishop McRaith and Archbishop-emeritus Thomas Kurtz. As Archbishop Kurtz laid his hands Thursday, March 11 Kelly, who was Bishop of Louisville when on Bishop-elect Medley, he invoked the 10:00 a.m. Ongoing Formation Day of Prayer, Location TBA Bishop Medley was ordained a priest and power of the Holy Spirit to ordain him as Sunday, March 14 for most of the years Bishop Medley was Bishop. At this point, which is the heart 2:30 p.m. Scouts Religious Emblems Mass, St. Pius X Parish, Owensboro a priest in that diocese. After Archbishop of the ordination ceremony, the crowd of Monday, March 15 Kurtz presented the Bishop-elect to the more than 5,000 was virtually silent. The 9:30 a.m. Personnel Board gathering, Sister Joseph Angela Boone, co-ordaining Bishops, as well as the other 1:30 p.m. Priests’ Council O.S.U., the Chancellor of the Diocese 12 Bishops and 2 abbots in attendance, Tuesday, March 16 and a member of the Mount Saint Joseph followed suit by laying their hands on 9:00 a.m. Catholic Pastoral Center Staff Meeting Ursuline Sisters, read the Apostolic letter, the Bishop-elect. Over 250 priests and 10 11:00 a.m. Age Group 2 Gathering which is a letter sent by the Holy Father deacons from the neighboring dioceses Wednesday, March 17 appointing Bishop-elect Medley as the vested and concelebrated the Mass. 5:30 p.m. “Together, Not Torn” Prayer Vigil for Immigration Reform, fourth bishop of Owensboro.