PORTLAND, Maine — On May 7, the Most Rev. James Ruggieri was installed as the 13th bishop of Portland, taking his place as top spiritual leader for roughly 300,000 Mainers who self-identify as Catholic.
Since then, Ruggieri — who’d spent the previous 29 years ministering in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island — has been on a whirlwind tour of Maine, attempting to meet each of the 80-or-so priests now working under him, as well as many parishioners.
We sat down with Ruggieri (and two members of his communications staff) on Thursday for his first formal interview since taking over from the former Bishop Robert Deeley. We asked Ruggieri questions sent in by Bangor Daily News readers, as well as a few of our own. Here’s what we learned.
Q: First of all, how has Maine been treating you?
A: The people have been very kind. I’ve gone as far north as Millinocket, as far west as Rumford, and as far east as Calais. They tell me I’ve only made it halfway up the state though, so I still have a ways to go.
Q: It must be hard to leave your own hometown after working there for basically your whole life.
A: I had a choice but my thought was, you don’t say no to the Pope.
Q: When did you first think you’d like to spend your life as a priest?
A: Around age eight, at least that’s my memory, when I began to serve mass in my home parish, Holy Angels in Barrington. I think for many, that’s when the thought of priesthood at least passes through their heads. I was really taken by being close to the priests, being close to the altar — and I said, ‘I want to be a priest,’ and never left me. In fifth grade, I remember saying I wanted to have a dual career. I wanted to be a professional basketball player, make some money and then become a priest. But I realized my skill set was not up to par for the NBA.
Q: How old are you now?
A: I’m 56.
Q: Given that bishops have to retire at 75, how long do you think you’ll be in Maine?
A: There’s no way to tell. I’m not taking anything for granted anymore. But I mean, as far as I know, this is the next 19 years of my life. I’m all in.
Q: A reader asked if you could explain the coat of arms you chose to represent you as bishop.
A: The coat of arms is always divided, with the diocesan coat of arms on the right side, and my two major symbols on the left.
Q: I see an anchor on top and loaves and fishes on the bottom.
A: Yes, it’s the cross anchor, which is on the Rhode Island state flag, and also I’m supposed to model my life after the cross of Christ. The loaves and fish have a couple of meanings. One is that I was very involved in a feeding ministry in Providence.
Q: You drove a free food truck for homeless folks, with a picture of Mother Theresa on the side, right?
A: Yes, it was a fabulous experience. We were able to feed a lot of people, and so this reminds me of the call to attend to the poor, especially the hungry. The other reason is that it does have a connection to the Eucharist — Jesus giving us his body and blood. That’s a little more of a stretch, but that’s part of it for me.
Q: Another reader asked if you’d support the continuation of the current weekly Latin language mass here in Portland.
A: I’m not opposed to the Latin mass. I think it does serve people in varied ways.
Q: Several folks wrote in asking if the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland would sign onto the Wabanaki Alliance petition supporting full sovereignty for the four federally recognized indigenous tribes in Maine, as the Episcopal Diocese of Maine and several independent Maine churches have already done.
A: That’s the first time I’m hearing about that. I have visited Indian Island and had a tour, but I haven’t heard anything about that yet.
Q: Do you think it’s something you might want to get on your radar?
A: Definitely.
[At that point, Ruggieri’s director of communications, Molly DiLorenzo, made a note to bring the bishop up to speed.]
Q: As with just about everywhere else, Maine has seen former Catholic priests convicted of child sexual abuse. There’s also a lot of current civil litigation surrounding more alleged abuse winding through the justice system right now. The issue has been so prevalent in the media and in the courts, I think it’s probably one of the top three things people think of when they hear the word ‘Catholic.’ How does that affect you and the way you approach your job?
A: It’s a very sad reality and we need to acknowledge it, first. One posture I always try to take is that when people are venting, or letting their sorrow out, is trying to just sit with that and not become defensive. I just want to receive people. I can’t make excuses. It is hard — like anyone, in any field, trying to be conscientious, with peers who have not lived up to their moral responsibility or professional responsibility. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes reflected on you — as you probably know, being a reporter.
Q: Oh yes. I know what it’s like to be lumped in with ‘the media’ — whatever that means.
A: All I can do is be conscientious and do the best that I can. I can’t go back and undo what was done.
Q: You mentioned your childhood desire to play in the NBA. Who are you rooting for, Dallas or Boston? Be careful, this may be the most important question I’ve asked.
A: The Celtics are going to win the championship.
Q: Is that something you pray about? I assume God has bigger issues to worry about.
A: No. We just pray for the players’ safety and health. But here’s a story, you know the Celtics’ coach, Joe Mazzulla? He’s from Johnston, Rhode Island, and went to my local Catholic High School. He’s good friends with a dear friend of mine, so I got to meet coach Mazzulla. He’s a deeply spiritual man. I’d root for coach Mazzulla even if he was coaching someone else, and not just because he’s a hometown guy. He’s really, I think, a sincere, authentic person who cares about the players he’s coaching. So yeah, I want the Celtics to win number 18. It’d be great.
