William G. Curlin

William George Curlin (born August 30, 1927) is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as Bishop of Charlotte from 1994 to 2002. His episcopal motto is "Sentire Cum Christo" ("To Think With Christ").

Biography

Early life, ordination and ministry

Curlin was born in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1927, and ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1957 at age 29 by Patrick Cardinal O'Boyle, St. Matthew Cathedral, Washington, D.C. From 1970-83, he served as pastor of St. Mary Mother of God Church in Washington, D.C.

Auxiliary Bishop of Washingtion

On November 2, 1988, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Washington and titular Bishop of Rossmarkaeum by Pope John Paul II. During his time in Washington, he founded several homes for the poor and homeless with terminal diseases, especially AIDS and began a lengthy collaboration with Mother Teresa.

He received episcopal consecration on December 20, 1988, from James Cardinal Hickey, with Bishops Marino and Corrada del Rio serving as co-consecrators.

Bishop of Charlotte

Curlin was later named Bishop of Charlotte, North Carolina, on February 22, 1994, being installed on April 13 of that year. He is noted as a powerful homilist, often bringing listeners to tears with his stories of the love of God and reconciliation between enemies and in broken families—as well as the miracles that he has personally witnessed. In 2001 he founded the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corporation. Curlin Commons, an affordable senior apartment community in Mooresville, NC is named in his honor. In retirement, he has continued to actively serve the spiritual needs of the Charlotte Diocese, especially the sick and dying.

Following the election of George W. Bush, Curlin praised the President's opposition to abortion, saying, "He gives us hope. That's what's important today. You felt under the former administration that there was no hope as far as the sanctity of life issue."

Retirement

Upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, Curlin resigned as Bishop of Charlotte on September 10, 2002. In retirement, he has continued to serve the spiritual needs of the Charlotte Diocese, especially the sick and dying.

Episcopal succession