On Feb. 10, 2025, Bishop William F. Medley reminisces about his ordination as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Owensboro, which took place 15 years ago that day. RILEY GREIF | WKC
Celebrating his ordination anniversary as bishop, diocesan staff thanks Bishop Medley for his 15 years of service and leadership
BY MARTHA HAGAN, VICE- CHANCELLOR
Editor’s note: On Feb. 10, 2025, the staff of the McRaith Catholic Center (the central offices for the Diocese of Owensboro) gathered for Mass and lunch in celebration of the 15th episcopal ordination of Bishop William F. Medley, observing the day he was ordained as the diocese’s fourth bishop. Martha Hagan, vice-chancellor and administrative assistant to the bishop, shared a reflection about that memorable day, during which she was serving as the director of the Office of Worship. Her reflection is reprinted below.
I remember the day so vividly. It certainly does not feel like 15 years ago. It was such a joyful day, full of excitement and energy. There was a buzz in the Sportscenter as the presence of the Holy Spirit filled the place. The liturgy was a beautiful experience of church, with the Sportscenter filled with people – despite the snow outside.
It was an honor to be a part of the day itself and also the planning. The best comparison I can make is that it is much like planning a wedding for several thousand of your closest friends and doing it in less than 2 months. It was a tremendous amount of work, but I felt so honored to be doing it.
A blizzard hit the United States on February 9 and 10. Schools were closed, and so, many parents chose to bring their children. It would have been the first time any of them would have experienced anything like it. That may also be true for many of their parents. It is an event that does not occur often in one lifetime. The celebration itself is rich in ritual, tradition, and pageantry.
To further set the scene for you:
It was a Wednesday. A blizzard hit the United States on February 9 and 10 affecting the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and New England. In Owensboro we had a fresh snow total of more than seven inches on top of snow already on the ground. Because of 16 inches of snow on the ground in Washington, D.C., the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, was not able to make the trip to Owensboro for the ordination. It is tradition for the Nuncio to be present to read the proclamation from the Holy Father. In his absence, Sr. Joseph Angela Boone, OSU, chancellor at the time, read the proclamation.
The price of a dozen eggs on Feb. 10, 2010, was $1.66. The #1 movie at the box office was Avatar. The #1 song was Tik Tok by Kesha. The most popular baby names for people born on that date were Isabella and Jacob. A 3.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Chicago on that day.
The time that has passed since Feb. 10, 2010 (the time that Bishop Medley has been our Bishop) consists of: 780 weeks; 5,475 days; 180 months.
For every one of those moments, you have been a gift to your staff and to the entire diocese – and we are very much looking forward to all the moments yet to come.
We always hold you in our prayer. However, as a sign of our love for you and support of you, we have engaged the past few weeks in a period of more intense and intentional prayer for you. We are very pleased to present to you today a spiritual bouquet – an accounting of at least some of the prayers, works of mercy and sacrifices that have been offered for you and for your intentions.
Now, we’d like to offer one more prayer of blessing of you, Bishop. I ask the entire staff to stand and join me in a prayer of blessing for you, composed by Valeria Vessels.
Staff of the McRaith Catholic Center, the central offices of the Diocese of Owensboro, surround and pray for Bishop William F. Medley on the occasion of his 15th anniversary of episcopal ordination on Feb. 10, 2025. RILEY GREIF | WKC
A Prayer for Bishop Medley’s 15th Anniversary
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, celebrating the 15th anniversary of Bishop William Medley’s faithful service to the Diocese of Owensboro. We thank you for his unwavering commitment, his deep love for Your people, and the strength of his faith that has guided us all these years.
Lord, we praise You for the many blessings You have poured upon Bishop Medley. Through his leadership, compassion, and steadfastness, we have grown closer to You and to one another. His example of love, humility, and service has inspired us to walk in faith, seeking Your will in all that we do.
As we look to the future, we ask You to continue to bless Bishop Medley with wisdom, strength, and courage. May Your Holy Spirit fill him anew each day, guiding his heart and mind as he shepherds Your flock. Grant him abundant grace, peace, and joy in his ministry, and may Your love surround him always.
We pray for his health, his peace of mind, and for Your continued guidance as he leads with a servant’s heart. May he know the deep appreciation and love of the faithful he serves, and may You abundantly bless him for all that he has given in Your name.
We offer this prayer with hearts full of gratitude, trusting in Your never-ending love.
In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
Amen.
The above prayer was written by Valeria Vessels, director of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Owensboro.
Originally printed in the March 2025 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
