The Rt. Rev. Thomas Breidenthal was elected the ninth bishop of Southern Ohio in 2006 and consecrated in 2007. He served until his resignation in 2020. After resigning, Bishop Breidenthal shared that he had left because of his alcoholism.
I invited Bishop Breidenthal to return to the diocese last year for our celebration of 150 years as a diocese. I am grateful beyond measure that he accepted that invitation – his first return since 2020. He and I met in person a couple of days before the event. We prayed together, and we talked about the life of the diocese now. He shared stories of both gratitude and regret; he talked about his own life in Portland, about the poetry he was writing.
This coming Sunday we will celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. With the coming of the Holy Spirit into the disciples’ midst, those gathered to follow Jesus become the Church – the risen Body of Christ in the world. We will hear again about people speaking in languages they do not know, and yet in that moment, understand. We will hear again as Jesus wishes his disciples peace.
What I witnessed last September at our 150th celebration was the peace that comes when the Body of Christ is knit together, as fully as we can be on this side of the kingdom. I saw you greet the bishop, and welcome him back, and share with him things that had been important to you in his ministry. We worshipped together in the beauty of holiness that day. We remembered who God created us to be, as we renewed the promises of our baptism, as we celebrated the Eucharist.
I witnessed glimpses of the peace that passes understanding, at our celebration. I witnessed the Church as the Body of Christ.
As you likely know, Bishop Breidenthal died this past Thursday, on the Feast of the Ascension. Please join me in praying for the repose of his soul, for his family and all who love him, and for our diocese.
Depart, O Christian soul, out of this world;
In the Name of God the Father Almighty who created you;
In the Name of Jesus Christ who redeemed you;
In the Name of the Holy Spirit who sanctifies you.
May your rest be this day in peace,
And your dwelling place in the Paradise of God. Amen.
