May 31, 2016
Source/Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The Rev. Monsignor Edward M. Deliman has been pastor of St. Charles Borromeo parish in Bensalem since 2014.
A Bucks County pastor with deep ties to the Hispanic community has been named auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by Pope Francis.
The Rev. Monsignor Edward M. Deliman, 69, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Bensalem since 2014, was ordained in 1973. He will be ordained to the episcopacy by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., on August 18 in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
Chaput introduced the bishop-elect at a news conference this morning.
In addition to service at the parish level as a parochial vicar and pastor, Deliman has worked for various Archdiocesan offices and ministries. He serves on the board of Catholic Social Services and is a former board member of Nutritional Development Services and the Inter-parochial Cooperation Commission. Bi-lingual, he has been heavily involved in ministry to the Hispanic Catholic community for several years.
“I’ve been a priest for 43 years," Deliman said in a statement. "I’ve loved and cherished every moment of it. To say that I’m humbled doesn't adequately express my feelings about this announcement, but I am.
"I’m grateful to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for calling me to serve as an Auxiliary Bishop in our Archdiocese and I joyfully accept this moment as one of Grace in my life and in the life of the local Church."
The appointment "demonstrates the Holy Father’s confidence in Bishop-elect Deliman, who has served our Archdiocese and its people with faithful dedication for many years," said Chaput in a statement. "The new Bishop-elect is a humble man who loves the Priesthood and is tirelessly devoted to his ministry. He is greatly loved by the people he’s served over the years."
Auxiliary bishops assist the diocesan bishop by sharing in his pastoral and administrative work and to act in his name. Deliman’s duties will be defined in the coming weeks, and will remain pastor at Saint Charles Borromeo Parish for now, the archdiocese said.
Deliman will be the fourth auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia, joining the Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, appointed in 2009; the Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, appointed in 2010; and the Most Reverend Michael J. Fitzgerald, appointed in 2010.
The archdiocese has been with three auxiliary bishops since the Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas was appointed Bishop of Toledo on Aug. 26, 2014.
Asked what he values most about his vocation, he replied, "I value my parish ministry. That’s where Diocesan Priesthood is key. I value leading people in prayer, praying with them and teaching them how to pray."
He said the most challenging part of being a priest is elevating the public image of the priesthood.
"I want to show others how wonderful the priesthood is," Deliman said. "Many things recently have tarnished our vocation. My goal is to be even a better priest as I respond to the needs of people."
He also said his hobbies are reading and biking.
