Photos by James A. McBride
Bishop Joseph A. Galante celebrates a Mass of thanksgiving for his 50 years as a priest at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden, on June 22 with Bishop Joseph A. Pepe of Las Vegas and Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo of Richmond, Va. The bishop’s brothers – Francis, William and Paul – served as readers. Marie, Mary Anne and Anita Galante – the bishop’s sisters-in-law – carried the offertory gifts.
Bishop Joseph A. Galante celebrated his 50th anniversary as a priest quietly with those closest to him.
The bishop celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden, on June 22. He was joined on the altar by a number of priests of the Diocese of Camden, as well as Bishop Joseph A. Pepe of Las Vegas and Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo of Richmond, Va.
Deacon Richard Maxwell, who assisted Bishop Galante frequently when he served as ordinary, was the master of ceremonies, and the bishop’s three brothers – Frank R., William L. and Paul C. – were readers. Their wives – Marie, Mary Anne and Anita – brought up the offertory gifts.
When Bishop Galante retired in February 2013, he said his nearly nine years as the seventh bishop of Camden were among the happiest of his life.
Originally from Philadelphia, Bishop Galante was ordained a priest on May 16, 1964 by Cardinal John J. Krol. Before coming to Camden, he served as auxiliary bishop of San Antonio, bishop of Beaumont, Texas, and coadjutor of Dallas. He also was chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Communication and undersecretary, Congregation for Religious, Rome.