The Diocese of Phoenix said farewell to Bishop Thomas Olmsted during a Mass and reception at Sts. Simon and Jude Cathedral recently, thanking him for his years of service.

“Join us in giving thanks to God for Bishop Olmsted and his unwavering love and service,” the diocese posted online ahead of the service.

Olmsted’s last official duty came Friday, when he presided over Solemn Vespers that was part of his retirement at St. Mary's Basilica. The priests, deacons and other members of the diocese attended, then joined the reception at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, the diocese posted on Facebook.

Olmsted had led the diocese since 2003. He will be replaced by Bishop John Dolan. “To the men and women, religious deacons and wives, priests, lay faithful and bishops in Phoenix, I promise my heartfelt love and prayer as we journey together toward proclaiming the good news of Jesus,” Bishop Dolan said during a press conference that was reported on by American Magazine. “He is the Lord. He is our shepherd. He is our brother and our friend. And he promises us the joys of his peaceable kingdom here and in the life to come.”

Dolan's installation Mass is scheduled for early August. Dolan was last serving as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego since 2017.