Remember a man of 'Respect'

As the nation mourns the passing of Most Reverend Joseph Anthony Fiorenza, Archbishop Emeritus of Galveston-Houston and co-founder of the Anti-Defamation League’s Coalition for Mutual Respect, the Southeast Texas community from whence he hailed is especially heartbroken in the wake of the 91-year-old’s passing on Sept. 19.

Beaumont-based Gift of Life founder Regina Rogers, who also serves as chair of ADL’s Coalition for Mutual Respect, expressed deep sadness in Fiorenza’s passing, both as a personal friend of 27 years, and as a member of the human race that has benefitted from Fiorenza’s tireless good works.

“The archbishop’s leadership, wisdom and extraordinary commitment were important from inception,” Rogers recounted, reciting Fiorenza’s call to arms: “The civility and tranquility of our city depend on mutual respect among all of its citizens.”

Rogers further recollected the founding of the ADL’s Coalition for Mutual Respect, heavily influenced by the “Three Amigos,” which included Fiorenza, Rev. William A. Lawson and Rabbi Samuel E. Karff.

“The Three Amigos helped break down walls of divisiveness at the grassroots level and build relationships among people of different faiths and backgrounds,” Rogers said of the hardworking trio, “who shared an impactful friendship that reflected love and harmony.”

Rogers remembered original “Amigo” Rabbi Karff, now deceased, whose birthday would be celebrated on the day of Fiorenza’s passing.

“Sept. 19 would have been Rabbi Karff’s 91st birthday, and we are comforted by the vision of their reunion and celebration in heaven,” Rogers said on behalf of the 38-member Coalition for Mutual Respect, all joining voices to extend “our sympathies and love to the archbishop’s family and friends, the Diocese and thousands of individuals who did not know him personally but also are mourning his passing.”

“May the archbishop’s legacy and life continue to be a blessing for all,” she said.

From marching in Selma in support of the Civil Rights Movement, to his role as a spiritual leader, Fiorenza is remembered as a staunch supporter of human rights and a passionate social justice and equality advocate, who was always keen to take any opportunity to speak out against any form of discrimination.

Fiorenza was born in Beaumont on Jan. 25, 1931, the second of four sons born to Sicilian immigrants Anthony “Tony” and Grace Galiano Fiorenza. He graduated from St. Anthony High School in 1947 at the age of 16, entered St. Mary’s Seminary in La Porte, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 29, 1954.

Over the next several decades, Fiorenza would serve as an assistant pastor, professor of medical ethics, chaplain, pastor, vice-chancellor of the Diocese, diocesan chancellor, monsignor and bishop. Then, when the Diocese of Galveston-Houston was raised to an Archdiocese in December 2004, Fiorenza became the first Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, which transcended into archbishop emeritus after his retirement was accepted by the Pope.

“Archbishop Fiorenza lived a commitment to social justice and care for the most vulnerable in our communities throughout his life,” Fiorenza’a obituary detailed of his life. “As he once said, ‘To separate faith from action essentially is not biblical, nor is it Catholic.’”

Fiorenza notably championed for Civil Rights alongside the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was an integral member of the “Three Amigos,” joined in the establishment of the Coalition for the Homeless, and was active in the Neighborhood Recovery Community Development Corporation, the Renaissance Corporation, and the Allen Parkway Village Task Force, groups that work to renovate existing houses for low-income and homeless families. The man who would become archbishop was heralded for his work with the poor and underserved, immigrants and minority communities, HIV/AIDS patients, and those devastated by natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina.

Just snippet of his legacy, the activism of the late religious leader continued until his health would allow no more. Nearing 90 years old, Fiorenza offered a 2020 Juneteenth prayer using the time and office afforded to him to continue a message of love and unity ascribed to the archbishop throughout his life.

“Help us, Gracious God, to know that we are doing your will when we show your love for all people,” Fiorenza prayed. “Help us in our everyday life to bring love and respect to all your children wherever they are, and in doing so we know that we are truly doing your will and we are bringing your love into this world and helping us to live out what you believe most dearly that we are your children, and we deserve love and respect for each other. Amen.”

Fiorenza, aka Archbishop Emeritus, aka “Uncle Joe,” is preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, and is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as his “brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Thursday, Sept. 29, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m., followed by a private Rite of Committal ceremony at Forest Park Lawndale cemetery in Houston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the C.R.O.S.S. Academies, formerly the Inner-City Catholic Schools, and to Casa Juan Diego, www.archgh.org/fiorenzagift.

Jennifer Johnson is a nationally award-winning investigative journalist with decades of experience in Southeast Texas. She can be reached at (409) 434-8821, Ext. 231 or jenniferjohnson@theexaminer.com