News Release: On the Death of Saginaw Bishop Joseph Cistone

(Lansing, Mich.) — Michigan Catholic Conference President and Chief Executive Officer Paul A. Long made the following statement today regarding the unexpected passing last night of Most Reverend Joseph Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw:

“Michigan Catholic Conference shares its profound sorrow with the parishioners, clergy and family of Bishop Joseph Cistone, who passed away unexpectedly last night. We remember the joy in which he approached his ministry as bishop and his service to this organization as a member of the Board of Directors.

“Bishop Cistone was an incredibly fine and good man. He dedicated his life to serving the Lord as a priest and bishop and he did so with kindness, compassion, and with a tremendous sense of the pastoral. He strongly believed in MCC’s mission to advocate for the common good of society and to provide administrative services for the needs of the Church. He will be deeply missed.”

While Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saginaw since July 2009, Bishop Joseph Cistone was an active member of the Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors, advising on numerous matters of church and state and serving on the Finance and Audit committees of the Board.

Additional information about Bishop Cistone and pending funeral arrangements will be available at www.saginaw.org.

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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