PITTSBURGH -- The following statement was issued on Sept. 1, 2006, by Auxiliary Bishop Paul Bradley of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

A good man died today and, with the entire community, we join in mourning our loss together. Bob O'Connor led a life of dedicated public service and he had inspired all of Pittsburgh in the brief time that we had him as our mayor. But we remember him as well as a devoted husband, father, and our brother in the faith.

Speaking for the clergy, one of whom is his son, Father Terry, religious and laity of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, I can only express our gratitude for his leadership, kindness and faithfulness. Our prayers will be with his family, and those who loved him dearly - which would be just about all of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Cardinal John Newman wrote this evening prayer: "May He support us all day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest and peace at last."

The mayor's life is now over, his work is done and now he begins to reap the rewards of eternal life. Bob O'Connor has a safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at last.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.