Bishop Albert Ottenweller enetered eternal life early yesterday morning. When I heard this news later yesterday, I couldn’t help but thank God for the gift that he has been to so many. Bishop Ottenweller truly loved people and truly loved the Church. He loved the People of God.
So many of our Sisters’ paths have crossed the Bishop’s path over the years, including his sister (Sister Mary Jogues) and his nieces (Sister Mary Dean and Sister Diane Marie) all of whom are members of our community. I recall many times when he would stop by for a visit with them and with all of us.
My most recent memories of the Bishop include many weekday Masses at the Cathedral where he would celebrate Mass for us. One of the parishioners has aptly named him “Our Friend, the Bishop.” He cared for all of us and helped us to enjoy the simple things in life.
I have no doubt he will continue his presence among us and intercede many blessings for us – just from a slightly different place. May he know the joy of eternal life!
How was Bishop Ottenweller a blessing in your life?
6 Responses
Thanks. My classmate and I were the first to be ordained priests by him on Dec. 21, 1974. R.I.P.
I was truely blessed to have been able to care for Bishop at the Ursuline Center. What a wonderful man, how lucky we were to have him in our lives.
It was a joy to have the opportunity to care for Bishop. He had such a wonderful smile and spirit. I will miss him.
The day our Bishop entered heaven, the Gospel reading was from Mark 9:30-37. In this particular reading, the apostles are busy arguing among themselves about who is the greatest when Jesus poignantly asserts, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
Bishop Ottenweller courageously followed Christ’s teaching; selflessly loving, serving, and generously caring for all people with humility, kindness, and grace. Surely He is now in the presence of our God hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Indeed, Bishop Ottenweller was a great servant and a great leader. He will be deeply missed.
The bishop confirmed me into the church when I was in the 8th grade! Seems like forever ago. I remember that my mom invited him to my party afterwords and he actually came. I am sure that my mom never thought he would, but it was so nice to have him there.
Bishop was the associate at St. Johns in Delphos when I was born and though he left the following year, he guided my parents faithfully. He returned as pastor when I was in 7th grade and began to teach and to guide me. I saw his labors in the migrant work camps. I experienced first hand his love for all his charges. He helped me to realize my own calling and to pursue it. So much of who I am today is because God placed this faithful, humble servant in my life. I thank God for Bishop and add my love and prayers that, watching from heaven’s portals, he will be blessed by the ongoing faithfulness of those he led.