ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — They called him “the people’s bishop” for his ability to reach out to marginalized members of our community.
Wednesday, Catholics and non-Catholics alike gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine to pay their respects to Bishop John Snyder.
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Every pew was filled inside Wednesday morning.
“Many of us who ever encountered Bishop Snyder, we encountered love,” said the Rev. Glenn Parker.
Snyder was 93 when he died last Friday, leaving behind a wake of mourners who not only loved him, but admired him.
“He went out of his way for anybody. Everyone was a friend, he always remembered your name,” said Matthew Harris.
Those who knew him say he was a man who lived his life reaching out to the least among us.
“He did Masses for gay and lesbian people. He did this outreach for HIV,” said Nancy O’Byrne.
He served as bishop for 20 years, from 1979 to 2000, during a time when the diocese saw tremendous growth, so much so that eight new parishes were built under his watch, plus seven elementary schools and two high schools.
“He was one of the first encounters of Christ I ever had in my life. I was Jewish before,” said Keri Jankowski.
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He also made sure Masses were expanded to include Spanish language services, ministered to those on death row and empowered women to take on leadership roles in the church.
“He wanted everybody to feel welcomed,” said Father Al Esposito.
Christians believe in the afterlife, so for those at his funeral, Snyder didn’t leave his home, he’s going home.
Bishop’s Snyder was buried at San Lorenzo cemetery, where a small ceremony was held after his funeral Mass.
Cox Media Group
