As we knelt on the floor, looking through tear-stained eyes and with aching hearts, we beheld the upraised hand, strong even in its weakness, that once again bestowed on us a blessing - a triple Sign of the Cross - which was to be our final blessing from our founder and beloved father, Bishop Glennon P. Flavin.  A little more than twelve hours later, on August 27, 1995, Bishop went forth to meet the King whom he had served so faithfully throughout his 79 years on this earth.
 
The strength of the upraised arm of Bishop Flavin, even at a time when his body was succumbing to progressively greater weakness, is to us a symbol of the man he was throughout his life.  Even when it wasn't easy, when there was pain of one kind or another, he stood tall.  He was always for God.  He upheld the truth.  When the temptations to lower the hand, to lay down the staff, to seek rest in the midst of the battle were the greatest, he was firm in standing with Christ. 
 
Bishop Flavin was a man of strong convictions and he acted courageously as he fulfilled his duties as a priest, teacher, shepherd, and spiritual father.  When he was ordained a successor to the Apostles on May 30, 1957, he took as his motto: "Ut Christus Regnet" - That Christ May Reign.  This became for theguiding force of his stewardship in the household of God. 
 
Bishop Flavin had an extraordinary zeal that Christ be made known.  This led him to accomplish great things for the Lord.  His two priorities were Catholic education and promotion of vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.  We have but to look around the Diocese to see the fruit of his labors.  One fruit brought into existence by his tireless efforts to extend the reign of Christ is the School Sisters of Christ the King.  WE, as a community, cannot but render endless thanks. 
 
He has left us a tremendous legacy and a challenge to live out in our own lives what he has passed on to us - an immense love for Christ, an unshakable loyalty to the Church, a consuming zeal for the salvation for souls, a desire for sacrifice, detachment from things that hold us back from God, a willingness to forgive, a love for laughter, and a joy in life. 
 
When the morning dawned on August 27, 1995, we knew the loss of even more than a great man of the Church.  The hearty laughter is yet missed.  We continue to count on his guidance and his prayers as our beloved founder and father as we strive to be worthy of his memory.  Bishop Flavin, pray for us, as we pray for you.