Click on links to the obituary, reflections and other materials about the late Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua’s life and legacy.
Comments of Archbishop Charles Chaput at end of funeral Mass for Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua
Cardinal Bevilacqua remembered as ‘a good man, a great leader who accomplished many things’
Rites preceding the entombment of Cardinal Bevilacqua take place at Seminary
Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua dies at the age of 88
Pope Benedict XVI sends condolence telegram on death of Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua
Cardinal Justin Rigali’s statement on the death of Cardinal Bevilacqua
Statement of Bishop David A. Zubik on the death of Cardinal Bevilacqua
Statement of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on the death of Cardinal Bevilaqua
Comment of Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre on the death of Cardinal Bevilaqua
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I have the fondest memory of Cardinal Bevilacqua when he came to St. Cyril’s of Alexandria Parish for confirmation. My oldest son was confirmed and my mother was his sponsor. She wore a red suit. After the confirmation, Cardinal Bevilacqua went to the Social Hall and greeted all those who wanted to meet him. There was a great crowd. We were at the end of the line. When he saw my mother, he immediately remarked on her red suit, saying, “That’s my favorite color!” He was immensely approachable and sociable. I felt like he was a favorite uncle! He took the time to pose for pictures with us which are now part of our family album. I will never forget how warm and friendly he was. He truly was a shepherd to his flock. May he rest in peace with the angels! It was a privilege to have met him!
May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
I remember Cardinal Bevilacqua fondly from my days as an altar boy at St. Genevieve in Flourtown. He was a kind man and a great shepherd. I will pray for him and his family. My sympathies go out to his personal staff and family. He will be missed a great deal by all of us in Philadelphia. God bless you Cardinal Bevilacqua, may you rest among the saints.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Dear Archbishop Chaput,
I want to assure you, the Church of Philadelphia and the members of the Family of my sympathy and prayers for the repose of the soul of H.E. Anthony Card. Bevilacqua. I had many contacts with him since I started to work for the migration sector of the Pontifical Commission (now i.e. Council) for the Pastoral Care of Migrant and Itinerant Peoples in 1971. The superiors and the staff, we all admired his dedication to the cause of migrants and the diocesan office which he founded in Brooklyn. We were very pleased to learn that he was promoted by Blessed John Paul II first as auxiliary bishop of Brooklyn (1980), then diocesan bishop of Pittsburgh (1983) and the archbishop of Philadelphia (1988). Personally I was very pleased that he became successor of John Card. Krol whom I knew also personally. In 1997 Card. Bevilacqua visited Poland on the occasion of the 46th International Eucharistic Congress in Wroclaw and we had an occasion to exchange some ideas. Next Saturday Feb. 4 I will offer the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass for him. May the Merciful Jesus welcome into His Kingdom the faithful servant! R.I.P. Auxiliary Retired Bishop Richard Karpinski, Lublin, Poland.
i join you in mouruing this great leader of the church. he was my freind may you rest in peace your emince god bless u for the work u done on behalf o the immgarents i will never forget your strong voice whoen we attacked by those were racist i will miss u always
May God have mercy on his soul, Thank you for all your love and spiritual guidance. Patricia, St. Francis Country House DON 2006-2009.