Archdiocese celebrates Archbishop Fiorenza's 90th birthday
January 25, 2021
Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza waves as friends drive by during a parade to celebrate his 90th birthday at the Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza Priest Retirement Residence on Jan. 25 in Houston. (Photos James Ramos/Herald)
HOUSTON - Surrounded by balloons, cakes of all sizes, streamers and signs, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza ushered in his 90th birthday. Long-time friends and staff of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston held several celebrations to mark Archbishop Fiorenza's landmark birthday with a drive-thru parade, small gatherings and baked goods galore.
PHOTOS: Archbishop Fiorenza's 90th birthday celebrations
Two large cakes fashioned in the numerals 90, baked in Archbishop Fiorenza's favorite flavor Italian Cream of course, marked the occasion. Staff distributed individually packaged cupcakes, also in Italian Cream, to parade attendees.
Earlier in the day at the Downtown Chancery, Archbishop Fiorenza viewed a special video compilation of birthday greetings from close friends and family, community members, women religious and clergy, as well as other bishops from around the country. Archbishop Tommaso Caputo of the Archdiocese of Pompeii, Italy, was among the friends who surprised Archbishop Fiorenza with a birthday message.
During the parade, cars of all sizes were decked out with balloons, streamers and a variety of decorations celebrated Archbishop Fiorenza. Passengers honked horns, cheered, waved signs, balloons and shouted friendly greetings as they passed Archbishop Fiorenza and Daniel Cardinal DiNardo.
Local TV stations also shared birthday announcements on the news.
A larger celebration to honor Archbishop Fiorenza's birthday will be planned at a later date, according to archdiocesan officials.