The Archbishop of Philadelphia, Nelson J. Pérez, has issued a statement following the death of Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was a priest of Philadelphia who served our local Church faithfully in pastoral ministry and administrative roles for 36 years until appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to shepherd God’s people in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2008," said Archbishop Pérez.

Bishop Bevard began his service as a priest in Philadelphia, where he worked for over three decades before being named bishop by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008.

Archbishop Pérez noted Bishop Bevard's reliance on faith and dedication to his ministry: "Bishop Bevard relied on the grace of God and the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary as he provided ministry as a bishop and priest in a spirit of charity, humility, and joy. The gratitude and affection he held for the countless souls he touched, especially among his beloved former parishioners of Saint Athanasius Parish in Philadelphia, was reflected back to him with love."

The archbishop expressed condolences to those affected by Bishop Bevard's passing: "All of us in the Church of Philadelphia mourn Bishop Bevard’s passing and we give thanks to God for the gift of his life. I extend prayerful condolences to his family and many friends as well as the priests, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Saint Thomas and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia."

He concluded with prayers for Bishop Bevard: "May God grant Bishop Bevard the gift of eternal life and may our Blessed Mother wrap her mantle of merciful consolation around all those who loved, admired, and respected him."