Adam Maida

Adam Joseph Maida (born March 18, 1930) is an American Catholic prelate who served as archbishop of Detroit in Michigan from 1990 to 2009, and was elevated to the cardinalate in 1994. He previously served as bishop of Green Bay in Wisconsin from 1984 to 1990.

Biography

Early life and education Maida was born on March 18, 1930, in East Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, to Adam and Sophie (née Cieslak) Maida. The oldest of three children, he has two brothers, Thaddeus (who also became a priest) and Daniel. His father immigrated from Poland at age 16, while his mother was the daughter of Polish immigrants. Maida attended Vandergrift High School and Scott Township High School, each for one year. In 1950, Maida transferred to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in 1952. He later served at Holy Innocents Parish in Sheraden, Pennsylvania. He also established a diocesan planning council and ministry formation program, initiated a diocesan census, implemented the RCIA process, and raised $9 million through Lumen Christi education endowment campaign. He was installed on June 12, 1990. On November 26, 1994, John Paul II elevated Maida to the College of Cardinals as Cardinal-Priest of Ss. Vitale, Valeria, Gervasio e Protasio.

In January 2007, Maida relieved Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Thomas Gumbleton of his pastoral duties at St. Leo Parish in Detroit. Gumbleton claimed he was being punished by Maida for his outspoken views on sexual abuse crimes by clergy. Maida claimed that he was following church rules on retirement of bishops.

Retirement On January 5, 2009, the Vatican announced acceptance of Maida's resignation and the appointment of Bishop Allen Vigneron, from the Diocese of Oakland, as his successor. Vigneron was installed on January 28, 2009, at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit Maida became apostolic administrator of Detroit and assisted Vigneron with the transition.

Maida celebrated his final mass at the cathedral on January 25, 2009. This was also held in celebration of the 25th anniversary of his consecration as a bishop.