The Diocese of Greensburg is mourning the loss of Bishop Emeritus Lawrence E. Brandt, who passed away at the age of 86, following a "cardiac incident" earlier in the week. Bishop Brandt, the fourth bishop in the Diocese's history, led the local church from 2004 to 2015, a period during which he was recognized for implementing numerous alterations designed to improve diocesan finances and grappled with the declining number of local Catholics, TribLIVE reported.
Bishop Brandt's death occurred yesterday morning. While the precise cause of death has not been disclosed, it is known that he suffered a significant cardiac event earlier in the week and underwent "extensive" surgery, Bishop Larry Kulick shared on social media. The retired bishop was in critical condition before his passing. Despite the challenges faced, under Bishop Brandt's leadership, the Diocese saw the ordination of its first permanent deacons, the invitation of Filipino priests to serve, and the establishment of various pastoral initiatives, as noted by WPXI.
In remembrance, Bishop Kulick praised his mentor's discipline, stating, "It was Bishop Brandt who asked me to study canon law, and with his support, asked me (to) assist him as an episcopal master of ceremonies and then as vicar general for our diocese," a statement that demonstrates the deep influence Brandt had on his successor's career, as TribLIVE detailed.
While funeral arrangements for Bishop Brandt are pending, the impact of his tenure is enduringly felt throughout the Diocese of Greensburg.
