A Most Humble Man

I've met maybe six bishops in the past 20 years. Some were somewhat aristocratic and the word "aloof" comes to mind. Bishops head dioceses, big areas consisting of many counties or even a State, and thus they are, if you will, CEO types. Then there are other bishops, who are very cordial with people who they don't really know. Parishioners who are introduced to them, and you wonder how they could even begin to remember all those names. Certainly, I couldn't. I've met Bishops of the Franciscan and Capuchin Franciscan Order, Bishop (now Archbishop) O'Malley of Boston comes to mind in particular. When I told him I was a Franciscan too, he hugged me. I've met bishops (while in religious life) who were very hospitable and would invite us (the monks) to dinner on Solemnities. But generally I like Franciscans. Why? Because when you are in a Franciscan friary, they treat you as brothers. Remember, we are "One Order with One Charism", that clearly stands out when we visit. And it doesn't matter if the Franciscan is a bishop, a noted Theologian, great Philosopher, or just a lay Franciscan (SFO), true brotherhood was strongly felt and everyone was on first-name basis. That philosophy carries over in their ministry to the sick and disadvantaged.

Many priests are humble men. But I'd like to talk about a most humble man, and he is our current head of the Palm Beach, Florida, Diocese: Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito. This observation isn't just because I look up to him as a friendly and caring person, but of something that happened recently at my home parish.

At Vero Beach's St. Helen Church, our Pastor (Emeritus), Msgr. Irvine Nugent was honored on March 14, 2004, last Sunday, for the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination, and for having spent 28 years in our parish. Msgr. Nugent is a living saint. Anyone who's ever met him will testify to that, I think. The Bishop was also present, beginning at the 12:15 PM Mass (which was followed by a reception in the Parish Hall). And in the procession of the clergy to the altar (there were many priests from other parishes attending, & two deacons) there was Monsignor walking behind the Bishop. Now anyone who knows something about Liturgical protocol knows that the highest ranking person always comes last. That's why I believe Bishop Barbarito is a most humble man. And not only that, the good Bishop sat on the side, hidden behind an ambo... rather than at the center of attention. In fact, the Monsignor was the center of attention, praise God!

Every time I've met Bishop Gerald, he's jovial and smiles and you get the feeling he really cares. I think we lucked out... we are very blest to have this man be our Diocesan leader for the years to follow. No wonder the people from Ogdensburg, NY loved him so; I think they really didn't want to see him go.

Humility is a wonderful trait. I know two deacons who make frequent reference to "being foot- washers." Have you ever been asked to participate in a foot-washing rite? If you, you will have noticed that the priest-presider does the foot washing. And, in a Benedictine Abbey I was visiting when foot-washing took place, it was the Abbot who did the foot washing. An Abbot is the same rank as a Bishop. And Jesus Christ washed the feet of his Apostles, too.

In Christianity, humility, or meekness, is seen as a virtue, encompassing three skills: 1) yielding ones rights and possessions to God, 2) earning the right to be heard rather than demanding a hearing, and 3) responding properly to anger when others violate one's personal rights. (From a 1913 Webster's Dictionary; today, in our secularized society, the definition states that humility is not necessarily a virtue. Alas.) Humility doesn't mean allowing others to bulldog over you. It doesn't mean that you are someone else's doormat. Humility should mean that you're not clamoring for special treatment and that you take things as they are. Humble people are peacemakers. They have no axe to grind. They have a certain meekness about them. Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4).

Many people believe that to be humble means to put yourself down, but this is not so. Humble people I've met had a healthy self-esteem. To be humble is being truthful, genuine, being able to acknowledge both our talents and failings. Humble people are down to earth! Humble people know and rejoice in their gifts. They share their gifts and give God all the credit. They also acknowledge their weaknesses, they seek God's forgiveness when they fail. Humble people are not judgmental but, instead, are compassionate and kind.

When there are people we look up to as humble people, like our beloved Bishop Barbarito, we see God's hand in the guidance and love he gives all of us.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
March 18, 2003