Jan. 25 marked a new beginning in ministry for the pair, and the people who know a great deal about their new roles offered words of encouragement and advice to Bishops Battersby and Fisher, as well as their thoughts as to why they are great additions to the Church’s leadership:
Bishop HanchonBishop Donald F. Hanchon, auxiliary bishop of Detroit: Be yourself, sing
“The image I have of the Good Shepherd is one that not only listens to the needs of the people, but is provident in their care. A bishop shares in a gentle way realities others might not be aware of, but shares them with a pastor’s heart.
“In my experience for these last six years as a bishop, I’ve been extremely moved by the love and care people have for me. I can feel people praying for me, and they will experience the same thing, people extending their courtesy and care.
“They need to remember the things about each of us that marks us as individuals. Don’t get caught up in the ministry, be yourself. In my case, I always love to sing. I discovered, whether being a priest or bishop, singing a song can beef up a relationship with Christ.”
Bishop ReissBishop Francis R. Reiss, retired auxiliary bishop of Detroit: Seven bits of wisdom
“My first advice is that God never asks us to do something without giving us the grace and strength to accomplish it. He is a loving God. Secondly, I would tell them they should always expect the unexpected. We do not have control over the lives of others and there are a lot of “others” who surprise us every day. Third, they have to recognize that this is God’s Church, He can handle it, we just have to keep out of His way, and not frustrate His design. Fourth, the most important tool that a bishop has is his prayer life. That alone solves more issues than anything else. Fifth, send the Holy Spirit out ahead of yourself, He will smooth things out. Sixth, realize as Cardinal John F. Dearden taught us, that we’re missionaries and not messiahs. In the grand scheme, our lifetime of service is only an instant, and we may never see the results of what we have done with God’s help. Finally, do the best you can; you will not always be right, but you can always be honest.”
Bishop MonfortonBishop Jeffery M. Monforton, bishop of Steubenville, Ohio, and former Detroit priest: Share Christ, pray every day
“My advice is to joyfully share Jesus Christ; Jesus gives you all you need to serve. Every morning ask for God’s graces for a humble and resolute heart of a good shepherd, especially in the assistance of other shepherds.”
“Bishop Battersby has a great wit with the joy of the Gospel driving his service as a seminary formation director. He’s a valued brother who had to address some of the most difficult of situations, all the while demonstrating a heart of a good shepherd.
“Bishop Fisher and I entered the seminary together and were fortunate to be neighboring pastors, where we helped each other at times. He’s a joyful and faithful shepherd.”
Archbishop BlairArchbishop Leonard P. Blair of Hartford, Conn., former Detroit auxiliary bishop: Be true to the faith; the rest you’ll learn
“I knew both Bishop Fisher and Bishop Battersby when they were seminarians and I was teaching at the seminary. I knew Bishop Fisher from when I helped out at St. Bede Parish, he played guitar in a folk group. They are both fine men.
“My advice is to be true, good shepherds who are true to the Gospel and true in handing on the faith. Shepherd and teacher, they both go together. One of the things you learn is how to preside properly as a bishop, how to preserve those sacraments properly, how to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation. Another thing is to have a good rapport with the priests, to be a both father and brother to the priests.”
Bishop QuinnBishop John M. Quinn of Winona, Minn., former auxiliary bishop of Detroit: Be joyful men of prayer
“I had the privilege to be one of their seminary teachers when they attended Sacred Heart, I remember them both being very good students, always interested in the material. I also remember them both being very pastoral, how the material would be part of their lives as pastors, not only to teach but preach.
“My advice is to remain as they are, men of prayer. To love their brother priests. To reach out with love to God’s people. Both of them are very much men of prayer and are very hope-filled; they trust in God’s plan and they live a joyful priestly life. You see the joy of God in their lives, and they’ve always been like that. They’re great selections and choices by Pope Francis; I know they’ll be excellent choices as auxiliary bishops.”
Bishop HurleyBishop Walter A. Hurley, retired bishop of Grand Rapids, former Detroit auxiliary bishop: Don’t change a thing
“I know both Bishops Battersby and Fisher, and I regard them as the greatest blessing for the Church in Detroit. They bring a pastoral sense to their ministry. It’s importance to have that pastoral sense of ministry to their bishop. They have a good experience, bringing a priestly heart, and will serve us well.
“I knew Fr. Fisher from his vocations work, working with seminarians from Grand Rapids. I worked with Bishop Battersby since I was back in Detroit in regard to St. Mary of Redford, and he has many gifts to offer. They are very pastoral in the things they do. They see themselves as being there to serve people. They are both very balanced people in their lives and ministry.
“I have nothing to offered in advice other than be the people that caused the Church to select them for this important ministry; we’re blessed to have them.”
Related stories
For more stories about the ordination and background of the Archdiocese of Detroit's new auxiliary bishops, Bishop Robert Fisher and Bishop Gerard Battersby, check out The Michigan Catholic's special section.
