My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Bishop Fernand J. Cheri, III, OFM yesterday morning.  As you know, Bishop Cheri was an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and the Vice President of the National Black Catholic Congress.

Bishop Cheri will be greatly missed, but I pray that our prayers for him will help lift his soul up to our Heavenly Father.  Bishop Cheri lived the faith that he believed in, and professed it by the charity of his life, helping the people of his parish, archdiocese and of his church.

We know well of his dedication to have all people to live as one in the unity of the Body of Christ, and to share equally in giving and receiving the love of helping those around them.  Bishop Cheri worked tirelessly for Black Catholics in this country, that all will share fully in the life of the church in the United States.

Bishop Cheri leaves a legacy of prayer, obedience to his ministerial calling, and charity in living out that calling as a bishop of the Roman Catholic Church.

May he rest in the arms of our loving God!

Bishop Roy E. Campbell, Jr.
President of the National Black Catholic Congress