For almost 18 years I have written a column in this space. This column will be the last in that series since I willingly and happily cede this place to my successor, Bishop David J. Malloy.

In the wisdom of Our Holy Mother Church, bishops and pastors of souls are asked to resign upon reaching their 75th birthdays. This is a provision that has proven wise in the polity of the Church. The orderly succession of bishops and priests in this fashion has as its purpose to accomplish a certain needed variety of visions and of outlooks, and the needed change of pace from time to time.

In the 15 months since I submitted my retirement letter to Pope Benedict XVI, I have been asked numerous times what I intend to do in retirement, and the answer has always been the same: I do not know, because I have never been retired before. Beyond the clichés of “the golden years” and “time to do what you want,” there is, of course, the summing up of one’s work that will occupy some time, and of course I need some time to repent of my sins and do penance for them.

One never ceases, once ordained, to be a deacon, priest or bishop. The Sacrament of Holy Orders is one that alters the soul in some supernatural way so that those offices remain forever. So, of course, under the direction of the new bishop, I will continue to do what bishops do without the responsibilities of jurisdiction which are now borne by another. I intend to keep up my studies and to catch up on the reading that, with the press of other business, I have been forced to delay. People ask me if I intend to travel. Traveling is, of course, diverting to some, but I spent three lengthy periods in Rome and during the last of my sojourns there, I traveled back and forth many times, so I am done with that. In the last few years, traveling around the Diocese has been quite enough for me.

I must say once again that I am immensely grateful to the people of the Diocese for their conscientious practice of the faith and for their collaboration in all the projects that have been undertaken during my time as bishop. As you can imagine, my special gratitude goes to the priests of the Diocese for their support and encouragement through these many years.

And, to make an end of this, I continue to rely on your prayers and assure you that you are remembered daily in my Masses and prayers.