The Vatican announced Monday, November 6, 2006 that Pope Benedict XVI has granted the retirement of the Most Reverend Vincent M. Rizzotto, beloved auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Bishop Rizzotto celebrated his 75th birthday on September 9 of this year and says he “happily submitted his letter requesting retirement at that time.” Bishop Rizzotto, who observed his 50th anniversary as a priest on May 26, was named a bishop on July 31, 2001 by Pope John Paul II. Upon learning he was granted his retirement Bishop Rizzotto said, “I am grateful that the Holy Father has accepted my request for retirement. This marks a new venture in my presbyteral and episcopal life and I am pleased to look forward to a somewhat slower schedule.” Archbishop Daniel DiNardo said, “While it is a loss for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, we are certainly happy for Bishop Rizzotto. After more than 50 years of outstanding priestly service he very much deserves a retirement filled with good health and many blessings.” The archbishop went on to say that while the retirement is official as of November 6th, Bishop Rizzotto will continue to serve the Archdiocese of Galveston- Houston in a variety of ways. The bishop will continue to preside at confirmations, he will remain on the Personnel Board and committees involved in the new Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. And, the bishop will continue to serve on the archbishop’s cabinet until a new director is named to take over the Secretariat for Clergy Formation and Chaplaincy Services.