The Bishop's First Day's Schedule with Commentary and Quotes

The Bishop's First Day's Schedule with Commentary and Quotes

10:00 a.m.

Media conference introducing Bishop Libasci
St. Joseph Cathedral rectory, 145 Lowell St., Manchester, NH

Opening remarks:

When in 2007, I was told that I was chosen to be an Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, I was overwhelmed at the thought that anyone knew that I even existed.

And now, four years later, I have been called, yet again, but now to be the Bishop and Shepherd of the Church, the Household of Faith in, what will be for me a new home, a new family, a new beginning in Grace.

I am coming eagerly to the Diocese of Manchester and the State of New Hampshire and I desire so much to meet all of you and to see Christ so alive and so present in you. I desire so much to share in this work that is ours: to be true to and thus carry on the mission of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

I remember well and am thankful for the words of a formula memorized so long ago: Why did God make you? God made me to know Him and to love Him and to serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in the next.

The words can be memorized, but we all know that they only take on their greatest meaning and significance when they are put into practice; when they are lived: when we deepen our knowledge and understanding of the Sacred Scriptures, when Holy Eucharist becomes more and more a cause of joy, and when caring for each person’s dignity and well-being is not a labor but true compassion and care for a neighbor.

I am deeply grateful to Bishop McCormack for his years of ministry and faithful witness here in the Diocese of Manchester and his very kind welcome to me.

I am grateful to Almighty God who has brought me into being, to my parents who gave me life and to my family, friends and my Holy Catholic Church – all who have sustained me to this very hour. These include Bishop William Murphy, my diocesan bishop in Rockville Centre, my brother priests and deacons and all the lay faithful I was privileged to serve as priest and bishop in that Diocese since my priestly ordination in 1978.

I am utterly humbled and deeply grateful to Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, who has entrusted me with this ministry. I have asked him especially for his prayers that I may fulfill the duties of this Sacred Office to which I have been called as a good shepherd, a good priest and bishop, a good steward in the Household of Faith.

And may the Lord God remember us all in His Kingdom now and forever. Amen

11:00 a.m.

Visit to Trinity High School,
581 Bridge St., Manchester, NH

- Bishop Labasci visits with Trinity High School Students. The Students present the Bishop with a THS sweatshirt which he promptly puts on, ditching his suit jacket. Trinity student gave the Bishop a enthusiastic welcome with several standing ovations, a choral welcome and a tour of the school, with special stops in the St. Basil Chapel and visited one on one with student's in the School's Campus Ministry Center. The word from Trinity is that he was a big hit with the kids and the teachers. They described Bishop Labasci as "warm, friendly, personable and real."

Bishop Labasci's decision to make his first official stop a Catholic school, speaks volumes. Emphasizing schools is a testament to his strong interest in education and evangelization. It is also nice to know that he supported a parish school at his last assignment, a sign that he knows the value of our schools and the many challenges they face. + 1 for the Youth of our Diocese.


Visit to New Hampshire Food Bank
700 East Industrial Park Drive, Manchester, NH

A clear sign of the importance of Social Justice and outreach to the poor and disenfranchised.



1:15 p.m.

Sisters Adorers of the Precious Blood
700 Bridge Street, Manchester, NH

Sorry no word from the cloistered sisters. However, I am heartened to know that these holy women who pray for all of us everyday where given a place of privilge in this first day.

4:00 p.m.

Prayer service with priests at Cathedral Chapel
St. Joseph Cathedral Chapel, 145 Lowell St., Manchester, NH

- Following evening prayer with the priests the Bishop met each priest in attendance and spent time talking with each. The universal reaction is overwhelmingly positive and the guys seem excited for the future.


-Not officially listed javascript:void(0)on the schedule is a stop of at St. Anselm Abbey for dinner. My sources tell me that Bishop Labasci continued to impress everywhere he went. His evening with the monks was a homerun, much as was his day.


Somewhere after this the Bishop retired for a well deserved night of rest. A New Day begins tomorrow, stay tuned......