To Bishop Gordon D. Bennett, in the name of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, I express the warmest congratulations together with our heartfelt gratitude for your faithful, pastoral work among us. May the Lord bless and sustain you as you preach the Gospel of Jesus and offer the sacraments of the Church to God’s people in the Diocese of Mandeville. They are blessed indeed to have you as their shepherd.
As you accept the Holy Father’s call to a greater responsibility, you give us an extraordinary example of obedience, as you leave us for new, truly missionary labors. We look forward to seeing you back here soon, as you prepare for a formal leave taking, and regularly thereafter, as you return to seek support for your varied missionary activities. God keep you always!