Bishop Sullivan Wednesday, December 12, 2012 By Mary Hamel Brittany '10 and Bishop Sullivan - Brittany Blair Advertising To honor the indelible impact Bishop Emeritus Walter Sullivan had on the community named in his honor, the following reflections, memories, and photographs have been shared by alumni, parents and staff of Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School. The Defensor editorial staff invite you share your own in the comment box at the end of the article.  We will gladly post them. This is Bishop Sullivan & myself at my confirmation (see photo). I was pretty close to him through singing and altar serving. I was very sad to hear the news but am so glad he won't be suffering and that he went peacefully in his home.  My favorite memory with Bishop Sullivan just popped into my head:  Monsignor Muench: "Hey, Britt.  Whatcha doin?"  Me: "Oh, no big deal.  Just chillin' with the clergy."  Bishop Sullivan: "That's right."  One of the most amazing and fun religious men I've ever known. He will be missed dearly.  -- Brittany Blair. Classs of 2010 Bishop Sullivan presided over my oldest daughter’s confirmation (Mary - CHS class of 2011) at St. Pius X Church in 2010. My other two daughters were the Altar Servers for the mass, (Anna - 2014, and Clara - 2016). Bishop Sullivan was clearly weak and frail by then but still had such a great sense of humor. During the mass when the kids were about to walk up to the Bishop with their sponsors, it was somewhat disorganized because there were six parishes represented. The Bishop was tired of standing there waiting so he turned to Anna and Clara who were sitting in the front row pew and asked “Do you girls mind if I sit down with you for awhile?” Needless to say they were shocked but quickly slid over to make room for him. There he sat and chatted with them until the procession was ready. -- Roberta Chang, parent As a member of the school board in the late 1980's, back when the school was on Granby Street in Norfolk, we were debating the future of the school. As a board, we went to Richmond and met with Bishop Sullivan. My mind was narrowly focused on one objective and after the meeting I remember thinking that this bishop was not a supporter of our school. Boy, was I ever wrong! We can all be very thankful for his support over the past decades. He was our number one cheerleader!   -- Bill Dunn, science teacher This picture of Bishop Sullivan (see below) is from the procession for the ordination of both Father Brian Capuano and Father Eric Ayers which was held on June 18, 2011 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Richmond. Bishop Sullivan's arrival seems to be that of a "rock star" as the diocese has great affection for him. --Sandra Watkins, parent of Abby Watkins Just a few years ago, the same year that the school was renamed in his honor, Bishop Sullivan was saying mass for the students in the gym. Looking around the gym and then the students, he commented that he had a renewed interest in reading the sports pages of the Virginian Pilot since he was seeing his name more often. A nice laugh filled the gym. -- Bill Dunn, science teacher This is a picture (see below) taken just a few weeks ago when the bishop came to visit my father, Leo Holland. They had attended seminary together over 60 years ago. My father died on Dec. 2 and, of course, the bishop shortly after. I know they are in heaven continuing their friendship and wonderful spirited discussions.         -- Beth Blount

Back to the articles list