Former Catholic Bishop in Wilmington dies
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
By: Mark Eichmann
meichmann@whyy.org
The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington is now planning a series of public services to honor the service of Most Rev. Michael Saltarelli who died Thursday morning of cancer. He was 77 years old.
Saltarelli served as Wilmington's bishop from 1995 through 2008. He resigned from office at the mandatory age of 75. He was replaced by Most Rev. Francis Malooly last July. In a statement, Malooly says "He was a wonderful shepherd to his flock and a great friend to me. He will be greatly missed by us all."
As bishop, Saltarelli set up seven priorities for the dioceses, including developing a plan for ministering to the Hispanic community and the establishment of new parishes and schools in the area.
Click here for details on memorial services that are scheduled for next week.
