Statement of Bishop W. Francis Malooly on the death of Archbishop Borders

“I met Archbishop Borders for the first time in 1974 during his initial days as Archbishop of Baltimore when he dropped by the parish where I was serving as an assistant pastor, just to say ‘hello.’ We have had a strong friendship ever since.

My family always enjoyed his company as well. He has spent the last 15 Christmases with my family and my nieces and nephews always enjoyed his presence at those family gatherings.

I was also blessed to get to know the Archbishop’s family; his brothers, the late Chick and Kenny, and his sister, Janet. They are a typical Midwestern Catholic family – loyal, grateful and dedicated to service.

In 1989 when I began working with him at the Archdiocese, we would meet every morning at 8:15 for coffee and conversation. It was a pleasant ritual that would continue until well after his retirement.

When I think about Archbishop Borders, I always think of a teacher. I think it’s because he spent so many years as a campus minister at Louisiana State University. He is a great listener, as reflected in his motto “I will listen that I may serve.”

No matter what difficulties he would face, he was always happy, upbeat and optimistic. His faith was so strong, nothing would get him down. He was always joyful. My bishop’s motto – ‘Rejoice in the Lord Always’ – is an attempt to imitate him.

Archbishop Borders has left his mark on the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He will be greatly missed. We find our consolation knowing that this wonderful man of God is with Jesus in heaven enjoying the reward of all good and faithful servants.”

Bishop Malooly was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore in1970. He has served as Associate Pastor at St. Joseph, Texas, Maryland and St. Anthony of Padua, Baltimore, Maryland. He was Associate Administrator, then Administrator, at the CYO Retreat House in Sparks, Maryland. He also served as Director of Clergy Personnel for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Chancellor and Vicar General. In 1990 he was named Prelate of Honor to the Holy Father with title of Monsignor.

Bishop Malooly was ordained an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Baltimore at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen on March 1, 2001. Cardinal William H. Keeler, then Archbishop of Baltimore, appointed him Western Vicar for the 38 parishes and six missions in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, and Washington counties in Maryland. He retained appointments as Moderator of the Curia and Vicar General.

On July 7, 2008, the Holy See announced that Bishop Malooly had been appointed Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. He was installed as the ninth Bishop of Wilmington on September 8, 2008.

The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington was established in 1868 and comprises 57 parishes, 18 missions and 35 schools serving the State of Delaware and the nine counties of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. There are approximately 233,000 Catholics in the diocese. Information about the diocese is available at www.cdow.org on the Internet.