Funeral Arrangements Set for Bishop Joseph Imesch

Funeral arrangements for deceased Bishop Joseph Imesch have been set by the Joliet Diocese.

The body of Bishop Imesch will lie in state at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet on Dec. 28 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Dec. 29 from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Solemn Vespers will be celebrated at 7 p.m. on Dec. 28.

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A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 29 at the Cathedral.

Following the Mass, the body of Bishop Imesch will be laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Romeoville.

Imesch had served the Diocese for decades before retiring in 2006. Despite his years of service, Imesch’s role in covering up sex abuse scandals within the church is part of the legacy he leaves behind.

According to Imesch’s obituary on the Diocese website, “he will be fondly remembered as a good shepherd; as someone who loved being a priest; who had an open door policy regarding his priests; who cared about people; who always said “yes” to the requests he received; and who put his love for God’s people, especially the poor and disadvantaged, into concrete action.”