Bishop Persico honored during meaningful return to his home Diocese of Greensburg
By Allison Mosier10/12/2026
As Bishop Lawrence T. Persico awaits the appointment of his successor and looks ahead to the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination in April 2027, a return to his home Diocese of Greensburg offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on nearly five decades of service to the Church.
On Oct. 9, Bishop Persico celebrated the 57th Annual Red Mass at Christ Our Shepherd Center in Greensburg, where he was presented with the Our Lady of the Assumption Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Diocese of Greensburg.
The occasion held special significance as the Diocese of Greensburg celebrates its 75th anniversary. For Bishop Persico, who was ordained to the priesthood on April 30, 1977, the celebration marked a return to the diocese where his faith and priestly vocation were nurtured.
Bishop Larry J. Kulick of Greensburg welcomed Bishop Persico and presented him with the award in recognition of his faithful service to the Church and longstanding commitment to the Diocese of Greensburg.
"As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Diocese of Greensburg, it was especially meaningful to welcome home a native son whose faith and priestly vocation were nurtured here," Bishop Kulick shared in a Facebook post.
The annual Red Mass brings together judges, attorneys, law enforcement officers and public servants to pray for wisdom and guidance in their responsibilities to justice and the common good.
During his homily, Bishop Persico reflected on the life of St. Thomas More, patron saint of lawyers and politicians, whose unwavering commitment to his faith and conscience ultimately cost him his life.
"He was a man of moral integrity who bore witness, even at the price of his life, to the primacy of truth over power," Bishop Persico said.
Drawing on More's example, Bishop Persico reminded those gathered of their responsibility to seek truth and protect the dignity of every human person.
"God calls us not to escape or run from the truth but to approach it humbly so that justice might be administered to all, especially the most vulnerable in our midst," he said.
Bishop Persico also acknowledged the personal sacrifices made by those serving in the legal profession and public office, expressing the Church's gratitude for their dedication to the common good.
"May your first gift to those whom you serve be your unequivocal commitment to God's universal law of truth and love," he said.
Reflecting on the recognition, Bishop Kulick expressed his appreciation for Bishop Persico's ministry and their friendship.
"I am grateful for his witness, leadership, and friendship, and for the many ways he continues to serve God's people," Bishop Kulick wrote.
Bishop Persico recently marked 14 years as bishop of Erie, having been installed on Oct. 1, 2012. As he approaches his golden jubilee of priestly ordination, the recognition from his home diocese honors a lifetime of faithful service and the enduring connection between the two dioceses.
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