Roman Catholic Diocese of Saint Petersburg - Bishop Favalora

Bishop Favalora

Bishop John Clement Favalora, a native of New Orleans and former Bishop of Alexandria, Louisiana, was installed as the Third Bishop of St. Petersburg on May 16, 1989. He directed his time toward administrative reorganization to manage demands brought on by the rapid growth of the 1980s. Initially, Favalora consolidated the various administrative functions of the diocese through the reorganization of the Chancery and the consolidation of diocesan social outreach programs through Catholic Charities. He also established a second radio station (WLMS 88.3 FM) to reach the northern portions of the diocese.

Favalora made Catholic education a priority within the diocese. He gave his leadership to the Catholic Education Foundation to ensure the continued existence of the Catholic schools within the diocese. He also took an active role in planning for the future construction of new Catholic schools.

Declaring "A Year of Favor From The Lord," Favalora presided over a fourteen-month celebration marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Bishop Favalora closed the Jubilee Year with a solemn Pontifical Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle on April 17, 1994. In November, Favalora was named the Third Archbishop of Miami and was installed on December 20.