Goodbye dinner

Bishop William Friend of the Diocese of Shreveport shook a lot of hands Jan. 8 when some 500 stopped by after mass to say goodbye at the beach-themed retirement affair.

The parishioners from some 30 churches from across North Louisiana came bearing rice casseroles, cole slaw, potato salad, cakes, and tamales from Zwolle for a pot luck dinner in the cathedral’s multiroom.

"I left at 9 p.m. and there was a still a line. Definitely, he was touched," said Carol Gates, pastoral ministries coordinator at the cathedral.

"God bless you."

"I’ll miss you."

And messages in Spanish.

They were among salutations posted in the guest book.

Among those who signed in: Dominic and Lori Maniere, Bobbie Sue Shelton, Bobby and Debby Smith, Rene Davis, Tad and Carolyn McClung, Steve and Lynn Ferris, Dr. Jorge and Martha Martinez, Harold Procell, Claire Henry, Randy Tiller, Garrett Tiller, Sandra Querbes, Maria L. Murphy, Mary Ann Johnson, Marie Polk, Catherine Dunn Smith.

And, they included Elaine Gallion, the bishop’s secretary for 14 years, who has only praise to heap upon him. He was a good boss.