Comparing himself to the conductor who leads the orchestra to play "beautiful music to God," Bishop Emeritus Anthony G. Bosco said his lifetime achievement award was to be shared with the people of the Diocese of Greensburg and everyone who helped him in his 17 years as the third bishop of Greensburg.

"This is an honor to be shared," he said.

Bishop Bosco was honored for his work in establishing the Communities of Salt and Light Awards and dinner and ensuring that all the dinner proceeds would go directly to people in need in the diocese. He was also honored for his lifelong commitment to Catholic Charities’ mission to carry out the Gospel mandate to help people in need.

A bishop is like the conductor who makes sure the orchestra is playing the same song from the same page, "the page of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Bishop Bosco said.

A faculty member at Seton Hill University, Bishop Bosco mixed in brief lessons in Greek, Latin and Canon Law in his remarks.

Bishop Bosco said a bishop is "the boss of a region ... and a pastor, shepherd and a sign of unity" and has many roles. One of the roles is to have a vision, then to lead others in fulfilling it.

To do that, he said, "A bishop needs other people."

He also explained the origins of the words charity and love and the variations in meanings of those words.

"When we do charity, it’s different," he said of Catholics. "We do it as ‘agape,’ imitating the love of God for his people."

Shepherd of the Diocese of Greensburg from 1987-2004, Bishop Bosco was introduced by remarks from Bishop
Lawrence E. Brandt and a nine-minute video slideshow that highlighted the diversity of his ministry as a priest for nearly 58 years and a bishop for nearly 40.

Bishop Brandt praised his predecessor’s work in many areas: calling the laity to develop their gifts for service to the church; directing the formation of regional and parish pastoral councils, implementing modern communications technology throughout the diocese, and conducting the diocese’s first capital and endowment campaign.

Bishop Bosco "has lived his whole ministerial life in service to the people of God," Bishop Brandt said. "His pastoral letter, ‘On Bended Knee,’ is an exhortation to us all to appreciate the great gift of the Eucharist and then to put that appreciation into action by rendering service to our brothers and sisters in their need."

After opening with jokes about receiving a lifetime achievement award while still alive, Bishop Bosco closed by saying, "Of course I am honored; of course I am thrilled. This award belongs to everyone here and everyone who worked in the diocese.

"I want to congratulate you all for this award. You deserve it."