The Most Rev. Francis Xavier DiLorenzo ❤️, 12th Bishop of Richmond, passed on August 17, 2017, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond due to heart and kidney failure. He was 75.
“Today, the priests, deacons, religious, and lay people of the Diocese of Richmond mourn the loss of our shepherd, who led the Diocese with wisdom and humility for 13 years,” shared Msgr. Mark Richard Lane. “Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ had a profound understanding and faith in the Eucharistic sacrifice of our Lord, which sees past the Cross and into eternal life with our Savior. With that same faith and hope, we look forward to our happy reunion.”
In March 2004, Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️, then shepherd of the Diocese of Honolulu, to lead the Diocese of Richmond, where he was installed on May 24, 2004. His episcopal motto, “Christ Our Hope,” reflected his profound faith.
Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ was known for his humility, passion for history, and strong advocacy for those in need, notably through his commitment to Catholic schools and lay Catholic formation.
A Philadelphia native, Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ was the eldest of three children born to Samuel and Anita DiLorenzo. Surviving family include his sister, Anita Lawler of Cape May, NJ, his brother Paul DiLorenzo of Philadelphia, and close family friend, Sister Janice Johnson of Allentown, PA.
Throughout his tenure, vocations to the priesthood were a key priority. By the time of his passing, Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ had ordained 22 priests and expanded seminary enrollment significantly. His efforts to revitalize Catholic schools in the Diocese through the McMahon Parater Foundation provided scholarships, financial support, and development programs to ensure their vitality. He further championed lay Catholic education, establishing the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Institute to prepare parish leaders for teaching the faith.
In 2014, he launched the Diocese’s first capital campaign, Living Our Mission, raising $105 million to strengthen parishes, support clergy, and spread the Gospel’s mission. Together with Bishop Paul S. Loverde, he co-founded the Virginia Catholic Conference to advocate for public policy issues both locally in Richmond and nationally with the USCCB in Washington, D.C.
An alumnus of St. Callistus School and St. Thomas More High School, Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, earning his priesthood under John Cardinal Krol on May 18, 1968. In his early career, he served various educational and pastoral roles, and after studying in Rome, he completed his Doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. Following this, he returned to Philadelphia to teach theology and serve as chaplain at St. Pius X High School and Immaculata College. In 1983, Pope John Paul II honored him as Chaplain to His Holiness, later appointing him rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
Named Titular Bishop of Tigia and Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton in 1988, he was later appointed Bishop of Honolulu, where he served until Pope John Paul II appointed him to Richmond. His dedication to service, humility, and pastoral wisdom continue to be remembered fondly.
A Marian Devotion in Memory of Most Rev. Francis Xavier DiLorenzo ❤️
Opening Prayer:
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy and Queen of Heaven, we gather in prayerful remembrance of Most Rev. Francis Xavier DiLorenzo ❤️, who has departed from this earthly life. With gratitude and reverence, we entrust his soul to your tender care, seeking your intercession before the throne of God.
Meditation:
Mary, you who stood by the Cross of your Son, understanding the depth of suffering and the sorrow of loss, we find in you a source of comfort as we mourn the passing of Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️, a shepherd who led with humility, faith, and steadfast love.
In his years as a spiritual guide, Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ embraced both the joys and challenges of life, serving God’s people with wisdom and deep devotion. As a faithful leader, a mentor to seminarians, and a beloved pastor, he touched countless lives with his compassion, strength, and genuine faith. His profound love for the Eucharist and commitment to Catholic education reflected the heart of Christ in all he did.
Bishop DiLorenzo’s ❤️ voice, known for its strength and warmth, resonated with joy and compassion, encouraging all who heard it. His hands, like those of your Son, worked tirelessly to serve and care for those in need. Just as you, Mary, kept all things in your heart, so too did Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ carry in his heart the people he served, ever dedicated to his calling.
Litany of Mary:
Response: Pray for him, O Holy Mother of God.
Mary, Mother of the Church,
Mary, Queen of Heaven,
Mary, Source of Consolation,
Mary, Refuge of Sinners,
Mary, Guide of Priests,
Mary, Queen of Peace,
Mary, Pillar of Faith,
Mary, Star of Hope,
Prayer of Entrustment:
O Mary, our Mother, we now commend Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ to your loving embrace. Present him to your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the source of all life and hope. May Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ be welcomed into the eternal joy and peace of heaven, surrounded by the saints and angels.
Guide us, dear Mother, as we journey onward, inspired by the same faith, compassion, and service that marked Bishop DiLorenzo’s ❤️ life. May we, too, grow in our dedication to God and to others, with love and generosity, and look forward to a joyful reunion with him in God’s kingdom.
Closing Prayer:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. ❤️
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. ❤️
A Holy Spirit Devotion in Memory of Most Rev. Francis Xavier DiLorenzo ❤️
Opening Invocation:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of Your love. As we gather in remembrance of Most Rev. Francis Xavier DiLorenzo ❤️, we invoke Your presence to fill this moment, granting us peace, comfort, and hope. May Your divine light shine upon him, leading him into the fullness of eternal life.
Reflection:
Holy Spirit, the Breath of Life, we honor Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️, a shepherd who led his flock with courage, faith, and humility. Just as You filled the apostles with Your gifts, so too did You empower him to serve with wisdom and compassion, touching the lives of countless people in his 13 years as Bishop of Richmond. Known for his love of the Eucharist and his passion for Catholic education, Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ poured himself out in service, always with a heart deeply rooted in faith and love.
As a dedicated bishop, he carried the weight of his flock’s needs with steadfast devotion. He was a leader, a moral theologian, and a teacher, bringing wisdom and joy to his role. His laughter and powerful voice, which often broke into song, echoed his love for life and his unshakable trust in God’s goodness. Whether guiding seminarians, advocating for Catholic schools, or uplifting lay formation, Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ was a true servant of Christ.
In his work, from ordaining priests to securing resources for schools and inspiring faith formation, Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ left an enduring legacy. Like the Spirit’s touch on our lives, his influence and love will be felt for generations to come.
Litany of the Holy Spirit:
Response: Come, Holy Spirit, renew us in Your love.
Spirit of Wisdom,
Spirit of Understanding,
Spirit of Counsel,
Spirit of Fortitude,
Spirit of Knowledge,
Spirit of Piety,
Spirit of the Fear of the Lord,
Spirit of Joy and Truth,
Prayer of Commendation:
Holy Spirit, we commend the soul of Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ into Your loving hands. You, the Comforter, bring us peace as we entrust him to Your care. Advocate on his behalf before the throne of God, welcoming him into eternal joy.
Grant him rest in the Father’s presence, where every tear is wiped away, and he is embraced in the fullness of divine love. May Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ rest in Your peace, partaking in the joy of the heavenly banquet.
Prayer for Strength and Guidance:
Holy Spirit, as we walk our earthly path, we ask for Your strength and guidance. Help us to honor the legacy of faith and love left by Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️. May we live with the same generosity, kindness, and devotion that marked his life, always seeking to glorify God.
Fill us with Your gifts, that we may continue his mission of peace, service, and faith in the world. And when our time comes, may we join Bishop DiLorenzo ❤️ in the eternal home prepared for us, where we will be reunited with him and all the saints, bathed in the light of Your presence.
Closing Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with Your love. Be with us in sorrow, be with us in joy. Strengthen our faith, guide our steps, and keep us close to You. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. ❤️