The number two man in the Buffalo Catholic Diocese is stepping down. The diocese released a statement Monday morning saying Pope Francis has accepted the retirement of Auxiliary Bishop Edward Grosz. Grosz turned 75 years old on Feb. 16, the mandatory retirement age for bishops, but he will continue to provide sacramental ministry throughout the Diocese in his retirement, according to the statement.
"During Bishop Edward M. Grosz' more than 40 years as a priest and 25 years as a bishop, he has influenced men studying to join the priesthood, as well as how things continue to be done in parishes," reported WNY Catholic in 2015.
Holding many positions of leadership in the diocese until appointed auxiliary bishop in 1989, Grosz is also considered by many to have perpetrated the secrecy surrounding clergy sexual abuse in the diocese.
Originally from Buffalo's Black Rock neighborhood, Grosz had been Parochial Vicar, Pastor, Episcopal Vicar, Director of the Office of Worship, Chaplain for the Felician Sisters in Buffalo, executive secretary of the diocesan Liturgical Commission and chaplain of the Western New York Division of the Polish American Congress, among other positions.
