That’s how a deacon has described Bishop-elect Joseph Bambera, who will be installed in Scranton tomorrow.

From the Scranton Times-Leader:

“Over the years I’ve known him in several capacities,” said Joe DeVizia, a Roman Catholic deacon who is also executive director of Luzerne County’s Office of Human Services. “He wasn’t a removed person. He was always very sensitive, very caring. He’s a people person.”
…

…DeVizia said Bambera has gone the extra mile even before taking on the mantle as bishop. As regional representative for the National Association of the Diaconate Directors, DeVizia said he was asked by others in the association if Bambera would speak at an association event.

“He wasn’t even bishop yet. I called and asked, and he said yes,” DeVizia recounted. “I said ‘I hope we didn’t put you out,’ and he replied ‘I like doing things like that and I’d be happy to do it.’ It was an enthusiastic response.”

DeVizia predicted Bambera will be the right person at the right time, able to handle many hurdles facing the diocese, including financial deficits, struggling churches, declining school enrollment and a flock upset and concerned by numerous closings and mergers of schools and churches.

“He’s a very collaborative person. He’s capable of making strong decisions, but he’ll be looking for input.”

Bambera is also “deacon friendly,” DeVizia added. “I know the deacons who were at his parish; they love him.”

Check out the link for the rest.