Honoring the Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone, V.G., M. Div. on his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Most Reverend Joseph Cistone was appointed an auxiliary bishop for Philadelphia by Pope John Paul II on June 8, 2004; and

WHEREAS, On July 28, 2004 in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, the Most Reverend Joseph Cistone, was ordained a bishop, becoming His Excellency Auxiliary Bishop Joseph R. Cistone of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Cistone is a lifelong resident of the Tacony section of Northeast Philadelphia, attending both Our Lady of Consolation Grade School and Father Judge High School; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Cistone entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 1967, and was ordained in May, 1975 by Cardinal John Krol. Father Joe celebrated his first Mass at his home parish, Our Lady of Consolation; and

WHEREAS, Father Joe, over the course of the next 15 years, served as Assistant Pastor at a number of parishes throughout Northeast Philadelphia, including Saint Bernard, home parish to some of the greatest elected officials in this City’s history; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Cistone, the original “Father Joe”, has been a symbol of hard work and dedication throughout his 27 years in the priesthood. In addition to his primary responsibilities, Bishop Cistone also serves on a number of Boards, Councils, and Colleges; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Cistone’s enormous success can be traced to his close-knit Italian family, parents Daniel and Josephine, along with brothers Dan and Tony; and

WHEREAS, The residents of Northeast Philadelphia, especially the parishioners at Our Lady of Consolation and alumni of Father Judge are extremely proud of their colleague, friend and former classmate; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend the Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone, V.G., M. Div. on his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Bishop Cistone, further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. We wish him well in his new position.

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