Bishop Joseph Gerry, OSB

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Bishop Joseph Gerry, OSB, tenth bishop of Portland, who died Sunday, July 2, 2023. He was 94 years old.

Bishop Gerry was a native of Millinocket, one of eight children born to Bernard and Blanche Gerry. His baptismal name was John Gregory, but he later received the name "Joseph" when he entered religious life.

In 1948, he made his profession as a monk of the Benedictine community of Saint Anselm in Manchester, New Hampshire. He was still a student at Saint Anselm College at the time, but graduated in 1949 with a bachelor of arts degree.

He was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Manchester on June 12, 1954, by the Most Rev. Matthew F. Brady, fifth bishop of Manchester.

He continued his studies, receiving a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Toronto in 1955 and a doctorate in philosophy from Fordham University in New York in 1959, at which time he served as member of the philosophy faculty of Saint Anselm College. He also held several administrative posts including academic dean and chancellor and was instrumental in founding Saint Anselm's humanities program.

In 1972, he was elected to serve as abbot of the abbey. He continued to serve as chancellor the college and abbot until 1986, when was ordained to serve as Auxiliary Bishop of Manchester. 

Two years later, Pope John Paul II selected him as the tenth Bishop of Portland. He was installed at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland on February 21, 1989.

He served the people of Maine as bishop for 15 years, returning to his beloved monastery in 2004. He returned to Maine for some time, however, to join in special liturgies and to assist in the administering of the sacrament of confirmation.

Bishop Joseph lived out most of his remaining years at the monastery, moving to Mt. Carmel Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Manchester a few years before his death due to declining health.