The third man to become bishop of the Norwich Diocese is Most Reverend Daniel P. Reilly, who was installed on August 6,1975, the twenty-second anniversary of the diocese and St. Patrick's designation as a cathedral.

Church dignitaries applaud
as Bishop Reilly accepts
the crozler of office

In his address on that date, Bishop Reilly said, "I shall strive to be as a bishop should be - a sign of unity and a cause of hope to the people I serve." He has fulfilled that goal.

The anniversary supplement issued last year stated, "Children adore him. Senior citizens revere him. And people in between those age groups, for the most part, like him a lot."

The bishop accomplished a great deal during his more than three years as head of the diocese. During the first annual Bishop's Appeal, which had a goal of $312,000, almost $800,000 was realized. The supplement comments, "Priests and laity alike say the unexpected funding at that level was due mainly to the friendship and love the bishop generated in the personal contact approach that is so much a part of his stewardship."

Subsequent to 1975, Bishop Reilly started or expanded a Ministry for the Handicapped, an office of pro life activities, a counseling center for clergy and religious, a spiritual life center, a youth ministry, and a campus ministry.

He has supported the Spanish Apostolate in the diocese, Catholic Family Services, the marriage encounter program, religious education, and many other diocesan activities.

A native or Providence, Rhode Island, he is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Francis E. Reilly. He was born May 12,1928. Bishop Reilly was ordained on May 30.1953. He attended the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration and the Boston College School of Business Administration. He was appointed Assistant Chancellor of the Providence Diocese in 1954, and Chancellor in 1964. He was given the rank of Domestic Prelate in 1965 and was named Vicar General of the Providence Diocese in 1972.

During the last quarter century, the population in the diocese has increased from 124,000 to 193,000 Catholics, a growth of fifty-six percent. The number of parishes has increased from fifty three to seventy-two, a growth of thirty-five percent. The number of diocesan priests increased by twenty-two percent, while the smaller number of religious priests more than doubled.

Most Reverend John F. Whealon, D.D., Archbishop of Hartford, said during his homily at the Mass of Thanksgiving in celebration of the diocese's Silver Anniversary, August 6,1978, "In all measurable departments this diocese has more than held its own during its history. Statistically speaking, there are good reasons for our gratitude today ... And may this young diocese, moving now into its second quarter century, fulfill that ideal of the Second Vatican Council: the People of God, here in Eastern Connecticut, led by its good Shepherd, served by an increasing number of priests and deacons, Sisters and Brothers and other ministers, growing in holiness and service to mankind as it moves toward its eternal destiny."

The diocese includes the counties of New London, Windham, Middlesex, Tolland and Fishers Island, New York. In 1953, there were one hundred and six priests serving a little more than fifty parishes. Today, there are seventy three parishes served by two hundred and seven priests.

The anniversary edition celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the diocese and the hundredth anniversary of the parish quoted this comment by Reverend Dennis G. Jarry of the Diocesan Jubilee Committee, "It is a time for coming home to the Lord, for discovering our Catholic heritage, for celebrating our identity as a diocesan family and for renewing our Christian commitment to serve our brothers and sisters in justice, love and peace."

The anniversary edition also paid tribute to two priests who figure prominently in diocesan history Monsignor Paul J. St. Onge and Monsignor Joseph V. King. Monsignor St. Onge, Vicar General since 1962, was the first Chancellor and held both posts simultaneously for several gears. Monsignor King, a former Chancellor and pastor of St. Patrick's, was the first Superintendent of Schools. Both priests served on the Board of Consultors.

Monsignor St. Onge was pastor of St. Joseph's Church, New London, and Monsignor King was pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Norwichtown.