Add your own message



Dear Bishop Mickey, With fond memories of working with you, please be assured of my prayers for you as you celebrate your retirement! Nancy Barckett, Archdiocese of Newark.

Throughout your tenure as Shepherd of the Diocese of Wilmington, we have been amazed by your nobility and your mobility. Your energy and stamina to continuously engage Catholics and non-Catholics are clearly God-given gifts as they seem to have no limit. From top to bottom and shore to shore you have crisscrossed (or shall we say Christ-crossed) this Diocese many times to sow the seeds of Christianity. Your flock has come to know you and love you. Some leaders are remembered for a single event or a remarkable accomplishment. Although we will remember many of your remarkable accomplishments, we shall remember your time as leader of our Diocese most for your everyday accomplishments that you have done with great humility. Our Diocese is clearly a better place because of your service among us. We will pray for you and whatever you decide to do with your God-given gifts in the next stage of your life. Thank you, God, for the gift of Bishop Saltarelli. With Utmost Respect and Admiration, Steve and Valerie Oldiges, St. John the Beloved Parish.

You challenged us with a bold new vision of growth and vitality for the Diocese of Wilmington. May God bless you, Bishop, for "bringing the vision to life"! Fr. Tom Flowers, St. Polycarp Parish, Smyrna, Delaware.

I wish you all the best as you step into a new phase of your life and ministry. Somehow I can't imagine you lounging around or playing bocci. You will, I am sure, continue to be a pastoral presence to the people of the Wilmington Diocese. Be sure to pass along to your successor the keys to the Italian eateries in the area. He will need that great comfort food! In Appreciation, Jim Malone, CFX.

I am very sad to hear that you are retiring. I want to thank you for all you did at our Diocese and specially for always caring about the Hispanic community here. I'm really going to miss you. It has been a pleasure to have such a wonderful pastor and human being… May God continue to bless you as you retire. Sincerely, Ana Schmitt, St. Paul's School and Parish, Wilmington, DE.

Hello, I am positive that I speak on behalf of my dad in that we truly appreciate your years of service to this diocese and to his beloved Knights of Columbus. God is good in that HE allowed us to meet. Hopefully I shall see you again at some K of C function that I still try to attend in dad's memory. God will reward you for all the work you have done for us. Love, Ann Marie Ryan, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, New Castle, Delaware.

We, the members of St. Clare Fraternity, will never forget all you have done for us in accepting us into your diocese and paving the way for our Canonical Establishment. It was a day that we had long awaited for and your loving and prayerful presence was "the icing on the cake". Our prayers will be with you in whatever God still has in store for you in your retirement. Peace and joy, Richard McCarthy, sfo, St Clare SFO Fraternity.

Your Excellency, I would like thank you for all that you have done for your "flock" here in the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington. We surely will miss you and look forward to seeing you around the Diocese sometime. Take care! Spend some time relaxing. I would like to personally thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes for my son Jacob when he was in Iraq. He is home healthy and happy! Thank you so much and God bless you!!!! Kathy Potts, Kindergarten Teacher/Assistant Principal, St. Anthony of Padua Grade School, Wilmington, Delaware.

Thank you so much for your ministry in the Diocese of Wilmington, and thank you especially for the relationship you set up between your diocese and mine in the DR Congo. I'll continue to pray for you. + Nicolas Djomo, Diocese of Tshumbe.

Thank you for being my Bishop. You did a GREAT Job! We are going to miss you. Much love and eternal appreciation. All the Best, Michael John Dalto, St. Helena, Wilmington, Delaware.

Thank you, Bishop Saltarelli, for all that you have done for our Diocese. It was always a pleasure to meet you when you came to St. Jude the Apostle. May God give you good health and bless you. Enjoy retirement. Eugenia M. Stewart, St. Jude the Apostle, Lewes, Delaware.

May God always be with you. Thank you for your leadership... You have inspired more trust and faith within me than any one I have known. You are a great inspiration for all and I am sorry to see you move on, however you shall always remain in my prayers. Thank you for caring and just being you! With great respect, I remain, Geri Rybicki, St. Peter the Apostle, New Castle, Delaware.

Thank you for establishing our beautiful school. We are inspired by your dedication to Catholic education and to this new school by the sea. Please visit us often and enjoy your retirement. Frances E. Pilarski, Most Blessed Sacrament School, Ocean Pines, Maryland

Congratulations on your retirement, although we're sure it won't be a quiet one. Thank you for all you have done for the Diocese of Wilmington, including shepherding us through some very rough times. But it is the positive good you have done that will long be remembered! Tom & Pat Sparks, St Joseph Parish, Middletown, Delaware.

On behalf of the Richter family, I wish you a long, happy, and healthy retirement. Thank you so much for touching our lives so many years ago in Nutley, NJ. We have always enjoyed what an example you have set for Catholics everywhere you have gone, and I personally have enjoyed your writings in Columbia magazine. God bless you for being such a good shepherd for all of us. Sincerely, John Richter for Irene, Paul and Daniel, Mother Pearl, Sister Cynthia, Sister Mary Jane and family. St. Joseph, Raritan, New Jersey.

Good luck and God bless you Bishop Saltarelli. Thank you for many great years. Artymowicz Family, St. Margaret of Scotland, Glasgow, Delaware.

I would like to thank the Bishop for his many years of service to us and to Christ. William F. Bryant, Jr., Good Shepard Parish, Perryville, Maryland.

We send our heartfelt thanks and many good wishes to you, Bishop Saltarelli, for a healthy, enjoyable, and productive retirement. We thank you for your spiritual leadership and visible presence in our school community these past twelve years. We hope you will continue to be a presence in our lives at St. E's. The faculty, staff, and students will keep you in our prayers. In warm Benedictine spirit, Shirley Bounds, Principal, St. Elizabeth High School, Wilmington, DE.

Thank you for your wonderful service to the people of God. Your words of inspiration and dedication to us have always been an inspiration to me. No matter how exhausted or discouraged I have been I have always found warmth, love and support in your words. I am glad you will be retiring here in the Diocese if you ever are on Kent Island look me up I would love to take you to dinner and personally thank you for all that you have done for me and the diocese. Yours in Christ, Ann Williams, St. Christopher Parish, Chester, Maryland

Words cannot express my gratitude for your years of service to our diocese… You will always be in my prayers. Sincerely, Mrs. Victoria Frazier, Holy Cross Parish, Dover, Delaware.

It has been a true pleasure having your serve as the Bishop for our Diocese. I feel blessed that my daughter was able to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation from you as well as receive her High School Diploma from you. We wish you well in your retirement. Chris and Geordon Duncan. Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Easton, Maryland.

Please allow me a moment to thank you for all that you have done for our diocese, but in particular, for your generosity towards St. Elizabeth. I will never forget your presence at our many events, especially the Lady Viking basketball games. I got chills each and every time you entered our gymnasium with Monsignor Barres. I have a wonderful picture of you two sitting with our beloved Pastor Father Dillingham and our esteemed Associate Father Giamello. I wish you all the best that retirement has to offer. You have been a glorious shepherd to us. Please be assured that you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You Bishop Saltarelli. Tom Ferrier, Head Coach Girls Basketball, Saint Elizabeth High School, Wilmington, Delaware.

Thank you for serving as Bishop for the Diocese of Wilmington these many years. I feel that you have been an excellent Bishop. I sing in St. Peter the Apostle's choir and was present at all of the confirmation Masses there during your tenure. I always enjoyed and admired your messages to the young people being confirmed. I was sponsor for my niece when she was confirmed at Our Lady of Fatima Parish many years ago. After the Mass, my husband took a photograph of the two of us. I proudly have it displayed in a frame in home. Sharon Tritelli, St. Peter the Apostle Parish, New Castle, Delaware.

It has been a great pleasure to serve in my ministry at Catholic Cemeteries during your tenure. You have been very supportive of the Cemeteries and all of our employees. We have enjoyed greatly your attendance at all of our special events over the years. I look forward to seeing you again in whatever capacity you will serve in the diocese. Thanks for being a wonderful Shepherd to all of us in the Diocese of Wilmington for these many years. Rita Crozier, Catholic Cemeteries, Diocese of Wilmington.

Best of luck on your retirement! Lori A. Mitchell, St. Mark's High School. Wilmington, Delaware.

On behalf of the Cathedral parishioners, thank you for your ministry among us. May God bless you, keep you safe, and give you many more healthy years among us. Rev. Joseph MPR Cocucci, Rector, Cathedral of St. Peter, Wilmington, Delaware.

Thank you Bishop for being a priestly bishop at a critical time in our church. May God bless you as you take on a new role. Bill Burke, St. John Neumann, Ocean Pines, Maryland.

Thank you for all you have done for the Diocese of Wilmington. We have been shepherded well! Mary Eileen Twardowski, St. Joseph Parish, Middletown, Delaware.

Thank you, Bishop Saltarelli, for your twelve years plus of dedicated service to our diocese. I am most grateful to you for all of your care and concern for the good people of this parish. Please be assured that you will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you with good health and long life. Ad multos Annos! Rev. John P. Klevence, St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Ocean City, Maryland

Having been blessed to be one of your first ordinands for Wilmington, I'm grateful for the energy you put into promoting vocations here. God bless you always. Rev. Joseph MPR Cocucci, Director of Vocations, Diocese of Wilmington.

I'm living in Stamford, CT at present, but am fully informed of all the goodness you have shown to the people of the Wilmington Diocese. Our family is in 8 parishes...and we have the pulse of the Diocese. In the name of all the Okoniewski's, I thank you and ask God's special blessing upon you! Sister de Lourdes Okoniewski, St. Hedwig Parish, Wilmington, Delaware.

Congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for the support and encouragement you gave to our ministry as Directors of Religious Education. Your gentle shepherding will be missed by all, especially our young men and women who were awed by you each year at their Confirmation. May God bless you with many more years of service to our Diocese. La fortuna buona per 100 anni. Pauline Berlingieri, DRE, St. John the Beloved Parish, Wilmington, Delaware.

After talking to you in Milford, I knew you were retiring; but, was hoping it would not be so soon. Thank you for all of your guidance and for taking care of all of us Parishioners here at Holy Cross. May God, our Lord and our Lady watch over you and protect you. Please enjoy your Retirement and don't be a complete stranger. Mary D. McGinnes, Holy Cross, Dover, Delaware.

Thank you so much for your service to the national Church on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Communications Committee. We have been blessed to have your counsel and I am so grateful to the Lord for granting me the privilege of working with you. I have been inspired by your words -- especially your pastoral letter "Contemplating the Face of Christ in Film," which helped me understand why I loved "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy so much! May God grant you good health and many blessings in the coming years. Pat Ryan Garcia, USCCB Communications, Washington, D.C.

My husband and I saw you at the procession at the St. Anthony's festival. I asked you to say a pray for us. Thank you so much for the strength you gave us. I wish to come and meet with you again. I hope you can have some free time. Thank you again. It meant so much to me what you said to us. I hope to hear from you. Sincerly, Johanna Carrieri-Russo, St. Marys of the Assumption, Hockessin, Delaware.

Thank you for everything during your years of service here in Wilmington. We will always remember your visits to St. Mark’s and we look forward to seeing you often in the future. God bless you! Susan O'Hara, Theology Dept., St. Marks High School, Wilmington, Delaware.

Congratulations on your retirement and a very successful career. And thank you so much for granting the Imprimatur to my book, "Padre Pio and America." Peace, Frank Rega, Mary Mother of Peace, Oak Orchard, Delaware.

I wish you well in your retirement; I pray for you everyday (and will continue to do so) along with our priests, religious and lay ministers. I do hope you come around and see us sometime. Your service has been outstanding. May God continue to bless you abundantly! Ralph Pfannenstiel, St. Joseph's Middletown/K of C.

Thanks, blessings, and peace as you now venture onto a new road on the same journey of life. I am sure you will not sit idle. Thanks for your support of the Deacons and your personal involvement in the people you have touched. Deacon Francis & Marie Staab, St. Catherine of Siena, Wilmington, Delaware.

Thank you so much for these twelve wonderful years. You have been so inspiring to work with . . . I honestly thank you from the bottom of my heart. You will be missed by all of us...I remain forever full of gratitude for my chance to know you and work with you. Your time with us has truly been a blessing for our staff and school children. May God continue to bless you! Love and peace in Christ, Our Lord, Sherrie Connolly, fourth grade teacher, Saints Peter and Paul School, Easton, Maryland.

I am the young man that Fr. Jay McKee introduced to you at Good Shepherd parish not too long ago. I wish to thank you for your guidance and everything you have done to further the Good News of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and may you have a happy retirement. Mark Patrick, Good Shepherd Church, Perryville, Maryland.

Thank you for everything, Bishop Saltarelli. May you have some opportunity to rest and relax. You have done a wonderful job for this Diocese. On behalf of our students, staff and Board, we wish you the very best. Cathie Field Lloyd, Ursuline Academy, Wilmington, Delaware.

You will surely be missed. You have done so much for our Diocese and have such a presence. It seems any predecessor will have big shoes to fill. Enjoy retirement. God bless you and Thank you! Shannon Quinonez, Holy Cross, Dover, Delaware.

Thank you for reflecting so clearly the presence of Christ throughout your ministry as Shepherd for the Diocese of Wilmington. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have met you and to have participated in the "Pass the Word" program for young women as a vocation director and native of the diocese. May you experience an abundance of blessings as you continue to share the spirit of Christ is a new way. Prayerfully, Sister Ruth A. Harkins, IHM

Florence and I want to wish you well on this new part of your Journey. We thank you for all you have done for our Diocese and for our Parish. You always made us feel very welcome, including Florence in everything was a joy. We pray that God will keep you in good health so you can enjoy your retirement. May the Holy Spirit be your constant companion.
Love in Christ, "Buddy" and Florence Bianco, St. John/St Bernadette, Sussex County, Delaware.

There are no words that can express my true gratitude I have for all that you have done for the people of the Diocese of Wilmington. You have passionately defended the right to life of every human being; you have been the voice of calm and reason in the midst of hurt and hatred; you have been steadfast in your commitment to encouraging God's people to respond to vocations to religious life, the diaconate and the priesthood; you have been the compassionate and humane catalyst for justice and healing throughout the tragedy of the sexual abuse scandal.
You have touched lives in ways you may never realize. Young people eagerly await your visits; hospital patients recall with awe, your calming presence; priests, deacons, and religious respect your leadership, cherish your wisdom, and love you as our spiritual father.
All of the people of Wilmington, perhaps all of the people of Delaware, and the people of the eastern shore of Maryland have been blest by you and your unwavering ministry to us. I am especially grateful to you, Bishop. You ordained me to the diaconate, a sacramental moment that has changed my life. We ask God's continued blessings on you as you take leave of this part of your life of service to God's people.
Thank you, God bless you and keep you. Deacon Mike Wilber, St. Matthew, Wilmington, Delaware.

This is one of those moments when words fall short of its purpose. I am very grateful that I met you in life and am a better person because you are my bishop. You showed me what it means to be a shepherd. Thanks for touching me in a profound and holy way. That you will be missed is an understatement but I know you were my northern star guiding me to what's real (i.e. Service). Once again, thank you for being one of the most wonderful people to know. IDONGESIT ETIM, Diocese of Wilmington Seminarian.
You have been a spiritual inspiration to so many of us in the diocese. As a volunteer 5th grade CCD teacher, I have been moved by your Catechesis Pastoral Plan, and so many of us are grateful that you made this a top priority during your leadership of the diocese. Sincerely,
Mary Beth Carozza, St. Mary Star of the Sea, Ocean City, Maryland.

Thank you so much for your years of being an inspiration and constant reminder to each of us that it is good to be a Catholic in today's world. Peace & good health to you as you journey a new path. Fondly, Lynne Betts, President-elect Society of St. Vincent DePaul, Our Lady of Lourdes, Seaford, Delaware.

I am sorry to see you leave but I know you are looking forward to some very needed "down" time. Your sucessor has some big shoes to fill. You and he will be in my prayers. Thank you for all your encouragement, good words, gentle example, and Christ-like presence in my life. I will never forget you. Love & prayers, Regina Yankalunas Campus Ministry @ SU & UMES

It is my fond hope that we will not lose touch with each other after Bishop Malooly's installation. You have been a good and faithful servant of our Blessed Lord and an inspiration to me. I shall always treasure the spiritual guidance and encouragement you gave me leading to my ordination as a deacon. Although it is very presumptuous of me, I shall always regard you as a very dear friend as well as a shepherd of souls. Thank you for tolerating me with patience and good humor.
May God Bless you and watch over you. Pete Nellius, Holy Cross, Dover, Delaware.

I just wanted to thank you for all your tireless service and faithfulness to our Lord and our Church for all these years. You do not know me, but I have enjoyed your talks and Masses over the years at the Charismatic Conventions in Rehoboth and in Ocean City. You always radiated the holiness of God and added much to the conventions. I wish you well and thank God for you. God's blessings. Kathy Elder, Holy Family, Davidsonville, Maryland.

It has truly been an honor to be a Seminarian under your leadership for such wonderful work that you had accomplished in this Diocese. You have been a sure foundation and support for me as I follow to the path of the Most Holy Priesthood. I hope for you to stay around and see you often in the Diocese. God's Blessing on a job well done! Christopher R.J. Coffiey, St. Stanislaus Kostka, Wilmington, Delaware.

May the grace and peace of Almighty God bless your retirement years with continued joy and service in His name. Thank you for your service to the Diocese of Wilmington and I look forward to seeing you in "retirement" mode. Terry Lafferty, Holy Cross Parish, Dover, Delaware.

It has been an honor and a pleasure to have served with you the last 14 years. You have been a wonderful, inspiring and dedicated shepherd; you shall be missed. May God be with you...and may you know, you are loved. With sincere thanks and gratitude. Debbie Depta, Our Lady of Lourdes, Seaford, Delaware.

Thank you for your years of service. In your first year, I remember being a young student at St. Anthony's when you came around to visit us in the school. We were very nervous to meet you, but were calmed by your humble presence. I also enjoyed hearing you say mass and preach in Italian on various occasions at St. Anthony's. Best of luck in retirement and I know the Diocese won't let you get too far! Stephen Adams, Holy Angels School, Newark, Delaware.

Thank you for all the years of service, your knowledge and wisdom you have bestowed upon us. Enjoy your retirement and all our blessings to you. The Vincze Family, Mike, Joann and Miska Vincze, Cathedral of St. Peter, Wilmington, Delaware.

Congratulations on your retirement. It has been a great privilege to have you as our leader in this diocese, and for me to serve as a alter server for you at many of the Masses you celebrated at St. Peter the Apostle when I was younger. James Miller, Holy Family, Newark, Delaware.

Thank You for your leadership. May you enjoy your retirement. Deacon Charles Robinson, St. Polycarp Parish.

Congratulations on your retirement. You will be greatly missed by the Knights of Columbus. Thank you so much for all you have done for the Knights and the Diocese of Wilmington the past twelve years. Vivat Jesus, Larry and Sandi Gardner, K of C State Council, Saint Elizabeth Parishioners.

Welcome to a very active and fruitful new stage of your life. Have fun and be blessed. Fr. Jerry Ruane, Classmate.