A legion of Utah civic and religious leaders gathered Monday to recognize Bishop William K. Weigand, honored as "a giant of a man, a unifying pastor."
More than 800 people attended a farewell banquet for Utah's seventh Roman Catholic bishop at the Salt Lake Marriott. Bishop Weigand has been assigned to direct the Diocese of Sacramento, ending a 13-year tenure as bishop of the Salt Lake Diocese.Area ethnic ministries pointed to Bishop Weigand's track record of unity and inclusion for Catholic and non-Catholic minorities alike.
"With Bishop Weigand, we changed from groups of diversity into one untied camp in the diocese," said the Rev. Thuy D. Ha of the Vietnamese Catholic Community. "Bishop Weigand has truly lived the inspiring call found on the base of the Statue of Liberty: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free."
President Thomas S. Monson, second counselor of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called Bishop Weigand "a man who has given his all for his community. He has inspired every one of us to pay attention to the homeless, the downcast and the downtrodden."
Bishop Weigand's enthusiasm and hard work "wore out countless volunteers," joked diocese member Irene O. Sweeney.
"The bishop possesses a dogged persistence that everything be done yesterday. His message - `Feed my Lambs,' " she said.
Civic leaders emphasized Bishop Weigand's spiritual contributions to a diverse Salt Lake community hungry for unity and service.
"Bishop Weigand has brought together people of so many different backgrounds," said Salt Lake Mayor Deedee Corradini. "He has assisted the youth, the homeless, and the poor. And he has also stepped in and become involved in the fight against gangs. Bishop Weigand has shown that churches can make a difference in the community."
Bishop Weigand said he was "dazzled and honored" by praise offered throughout the evening. In his remarks, the bishop admonished the gathering to be mindful of spiritual values and community service.
"I believe that our greatest needs for the future will be in terms of our value system. Of great importance will be whether we have properly shaped the minds of people, regardless of their background. The value of people's lives needs to be honored - including the unborn," he said.
Additional remarks were offered by Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, Gov. Mike Leavitt and the Rev. Joseph M. Mayo, president of the diocese's presbyterial council.
Tributes were given by German Toro, deacon and director of Hispanic Affairs for the diocese; John H. Sparks, president of the Black Catholics of Utah; Sister Lorraine Masters, OLVM, director of Native American ministries; Sean deFore, student body president at Judge Memorial High School; and the Most Rev. Joseph L. Federal, retired bishop of Salt Lake City.
Tribute statements were read on behalf of the Rev. George E. Bates, Utah's Episcopal bishop; and University of Utah President Arthur K. Smith.
Former Salt Lake Mayor Palmer DePaulis officiated as master of ceremonies.