I was deeply saddened this morning to learn of the death of Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen, Bishop Emeritus of Allentown. He was a native Philadelphian who served our local Church faithfully as a parish priest and auxiliary bishop for 35 years until being called by Saint John Paul II to shepherd God’s people in the Diocese of Allentown in 1997.
For over six decades, Bishop Cullen lived out his vocation with fidelity, joy, and the selfless love of Christ. His work was a blessing to all those he encountered. Countless lives were impacted in deeply positive ways because of his unwavering dedication to caring for the poor and protecting the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters.
As all of us in Philadelphia mourn Bishop Cullen’s loss and give thanks to God for the gift of his life. I extend the prayerful sympathy and condolences to his family and many friends as well as the priests, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Allentown.
May God grant Bishop Cullen the gift of eternal life and give consolation to all those who loved, admired, and respected him. In this Easter Season may we all find hope in the Resurrection of the Lord.
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
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Editor’s Note: Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will be the principal celebrant at the Mass of Christian Burial for Bishop Cullen on Friday, May 19th at the Cathedral Church of Saint Catharine of Siena in Allentown.
To read the official statement from the Diocese of Allentown regarding Bishop Cullen’s passing, please visit https://ad-today.com/diocese-of-allentown-mourns-death-of-bishop-emeritus-edward-cullen/.
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