Left to right, Fr. Patrick Gonyeau, Bishop Robert Fisher, Fr. Joseph Lang and Fr. Ryan Adams wear hats during the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica’s “A Knight to Remember” fundraiser. (Courtesy of Shrine Catholic Schools)Clergy across archdiocese sing praises for two ‘pastor’s pastors’
DETROIT — When a priest is made a bishop, it’s natural for those whom they shepherded as pastors and teachers to feel a sense of pride. Most people can offer a good word for their priest, but if you want the real story, you ask a different set of folks: their close friends.
Fortunately for Bishops Gerard Battersby and Robert Fisher, that story doesn’t change much.
Seen as “pastors of the people,” priests across the archdiocese feel both Bishops Battersby and Fisher will be “bishops for the people,” too, leaders who can govern the Church with a pastor’s care.
Bishop Gerard Battersby gives a “thumbs up” to a parishioner at St. Mary of Redford Parish in Detroit. (Mike Stechschulte, The Michigan Catholic)“I was pleased when I found out Fr. Battersby was going to be made a bishop,” said Fr. Scott Thibodeau, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Parish in Beverly Hills and a seminarian classmate of Bishop Battersby.
“He was a very excellent student, the smartest in the class,” Fr. Thibodeau said. “I think he has a good depth and breadth of knowledge about spirituality and ministering to people, pastoring in the city of Detroit and the suburbs.”
Among his talents and characteristics, Fr. Thibodeau guessed Bishop Battersby’s humility was why he was selected.
“His humility will serve him well,” Fr. Thibodeau said. “He knows the best way to serve through prayer and the Lord.”
Humility was also a characteristic Fr. Edward Zaorski, pastor of SS. Andrew and Benedict Parish in Detroit and St. Mary Magadalen Paish in Melvindale, used to describe Bishop Fisher. The two met when Bishop Fisher and Fr. Zaorski were working at the CYO camp in Port Sanilac, where even then Fr. Zaorski said Bishop Fisher’s leadership qualities were on display.
The two worked to develop programs for people with mental disabilities at the camp, and it was during that time that Bishop Fisher approached Fr. Zaorski — then a seminarian — about becoming a priest.
“Bishop Fisher is a very prayerful person, a very humble person and a very fair person,” Fr. Zaorski said. “There is nothing he wouldn’t ask someone to do that he wouldn’t do himself. On occasion at social gatherings, you can see him washing the dishes. He’s just very pastoral.”
In addition to his humility, Fr. Jim Bilot of Divine Child Parish in Dearborn said Bishop Fisher’s leadership qualities as a pastor make him an ideal pick to assist Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron in governing the Church in southeast Michigan.
The two men entered the seminary together in 1986, where they studied and worked on projects together, and continued to collaborate after ordination.
“I wasn’t surprised (by his selection) in the sense that he has the qualities and the characteristics that are needed in the Church,” Fr. Bilot said. “He’s pastoral, prayerful, and not afraid to take on oppositions, and these are qualities a bishop needs to have.”
Having a great ability to show pastoral care and direction for the flock in Detroit is what Msgr. Gary Smetanka, pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Grosse Pointe Woods, thinks will make Bishop Battersby a strong bishop.
Bishop Battersby’s first assignment after being ordained was as associate pastor under Msgr. Smetanka at St. Thecla Parish in Clinton Township. It was there he saw a man who wanted to serve the people.
“I saw in him a very prayerful man, a thoughtful man,” Msgr. Smetanka said. “He loved serving the people, doing whatever needed to be done.”
What Msgr. Smetanka liked about working with Bishop Battersby — other than his Irish folk sayings — was his direct approach with parishioners.
“I’m very happy for him and the Church, knowing that he’s a simple, down-to-earth man of God,” Msgr. Smetanka said. “I think he’ll be a good shepherd, a good holy shepherd in leading people to the Lord, leading people to the Gospel.”
Msgr. Michael Hradiszko, pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Rochester, met Bishop Fisher in the seminary, and the two have been Florida travel companions for more than 20 years, where Msgr. Hradiszko said Bishop Fisher is always adventurous in trying new kinds of food and different activities.
“He’s younger than I am, but he was ordained three years before I was,” Msgr. Hradiszko said. “I’ve been blessed to have him as a friend. Bob was always hard working, one to volunteer, get involved and be supportive. He was always there to give advice; he wasn’t strict, but he enjoyed life at the seminary.”
Since their ordinations, the priests who’ve had the opportunity to work with Bishops Battersby and Fisher have high praises for their selection as bishops.
Fr. Tim Birney, pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Allen Park, was the archdiocesan vocations director from 2007 to 2016, where he worked closely with Bishop Battersby as vice rector of Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
“Bishop Battersby is very intelligent, has a keen mind and knows our faith; he’s very articulate,” Fr. Birney said. “I was excited for both Bishops Battersby and Fisher; they will not only benefit their brother priests, but also the people. I feel the Holy Spirit chose these two men.”
Related stories
For more stories about the ordination and background of the Archdiocese of Detroit's new auxiliary bishops, Bishop Robert Fisher and Bishop Gerard Battersby, check out The Michigan Catholic's special section.
