The Archdiocese of Boston will bid farewell to Bishop Richard J. Malone with a Mass of Thanksgiving March 11 and wish him well as he departs the archdiocese to head the Diocese of Portland, Maine. All are welcome to attend the Mass, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. at St. Agatha Parish in Milton.

Bishop Malone was named the 11th bishop of Portland by Pope John Paul II on Feb. 10. The installation will be at Portland’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on March 31. Bishop Malone was ordained a bishop and began serving as auxiliary bishop of the South Region of the archdiocese in March 2000.

Many who have worked closely with Bishop Malone in his 32 years as a priest and bishop are expected to attend the celebratory Mass. Among them will be Sister Clare Bertero, OSF, archdiocesan secretary for education and director of religious education, who worked with Bishop Malone when he held her current position.

Sister Clare described Bishop Malone as a loyal friend and mentor, whose strong faith and love for the Church shone through his everyday dealings with parishioners, co-workers and friends.

"Our loss is Portland's gain, but we're very happy for him and for the people of Portland because as bishop he is first and foremost a teacher," Sister Clare said. "As bishop here he certainly taught us how to keep our focus on the person of Christ Jesus and to serve our God with gladness and he will certainly do the same thing in Portland."

Helen Barry has been Bishop Malone’s personal secretary for the last four years and described her time working for him as “an honor and a privilege.” She said that it became apparent to her very early on that because of his faith, kindness and generosity Bishop Malone would be called to an even more active role in the Church.

"Bishop Malone has the special gift of being totally present to the moment -- whether embroiled in a conference-table discussion, speaking one-on-one with an individual, celebrating the Holy Eucharist," stated Barry. "He is totally focused, a prayerful, God-centered person and I shall truly miss him, especially his spirit of uplifting joy and cheerful sense of humor."

Bishop Malone will be the principal celebrant at the March 11 Mass. The auxiliary bishops in attendance will concelebrate and Archbishop Seán P. O’Malley will preside.