Bishop Lessard, who headed Savannah Catholic Diocese for 22 years, died Sunday

Bishop Raymond W. Lessard, who served as Bishop of Savannah for 22 years, died Sunday at his home at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida surrounded by priests and seminarians of the seminary.

Lessard served as 12th Bishop of Savannah from 1973 to 1995. He was 85.

"Bishop Lessard was certainly a gift to the church and to the diocese," Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer said today. "He will be remembered for his wit, his intellect and his compassion especially, among the priests and religious of the diocese."

Lessard, a native of Oakwood, North Dakota. was ordained a priest in Rome on Dec. 16, 1956, and was sent to Fargo, North Dakota, in 1957. He was assigned back to Rome in 1960 and during the Second Vatican Council, 1962-65, served as personal advisor to his Bishop of Fargo and later other duties.

He was appointed by Pope Paul VI as bishop of Savannah in 1973 and ordained at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on April 27, 1973.

His resignation on Feb. 7, 1995, citing health reasons was accepted by Pope John Paul II.

In retirement, he taught theology at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary at Boynton Beach, Fla. He periodically returned to Savannah to participate in special liturgies and church celebrations.

While bishop, Lessard established or strengthened the Board of Vicars, Diocesan Pastoral Council, Senate of Priests and Council of Religious. He also established the permanent diaconate in the Savannah diocese, ordained some 35 deacons in 1979 and 1985, and ordained 30 priests for the diocese and religious orders.

He also emphasized religious education on all levels and for many years made the circuit of the dioceses for his 'mini-retreats' on various aspects of the church's teachings.

A visitation will be held for Lessard at the seminary at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 9. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 12 noon.

His body will be transferred to Savannah where he will be received at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist at 3 p.m. on Monday, January 11. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

An Evening Prayer Service including the Office for the Dead will be held at 7 p.m.

The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 12 noon on Tuesday, January 12 at the Cathedral. Bishop Gregory J. Hartmayer will be main celebrant; Bishop Emeritus J. Kevin Boland will be homilist.

Lessard will be buried in the Bishops' Lot at the Catholic Cemetery in Savannah.

After the burial a luncheon will be held for priests, deacons, religious sisters and Catholic Pastoral Center staff at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 2170 E. Victory Drive in Savannah.