Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen

Diocese of Allentown Mourns Death of Bishop Edward Cullen

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, Third Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown, died May 9, 2023, in Lehigh Valley Hospital Center-Cedar Crest, Allentown, Pa. He was 90.

Bishop Alfred Schlert, current Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown, said, “Bishop Cullen lived his life as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ and His Church. He was visionary in spiritual, pastoral, and temporal matters. Along with the clergy, religious, and laity of the Diocese, I mourn his loss and commend his soul to God’s mercy, trusting in Our Lord’s promise of reward to good and faithful servants.”

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Biography of Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen, D.D.

During his 11 years as the Third Bishop of Allentown, Bishop Cullen provided strong leadership to strengthen ministries, improve administration, and benefit parishes and schools of the Diocese of Allentown.

As Bishop, he also significantly increased protections for children and young people, forged bonds of cooperation with law enforcement, and enhanced care for victims of abuse.

Bishop Cullen was born March 15, 1933, in Philadelphia, and grew up in Yeadon, Pa. He was the second of five children in a traditional Irish-Catholic family. He was a son of the late Edward P. and Julia (Leahy) Cullen.

The future Third Bishop of Allentown attended West Catholic High School, where he excelled in athletics, especially football and track. After high school, he was an engineering student at Drexel Institute of Technology.

Bishop Cullen entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary near Philadelphia to prepare for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest on May 19, 1962, by Cardinal John Krol, then Archbishop of Philadelphia, at the Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

He graduated from St. Charles with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1958 and a Master of Divinity degree in 1974. He earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1970; a Master of Arts degree from LaSalle University in 1971; and completed the Human Services Management Executive Program at Harvard Graduate School of Business in 1986.

It was when he was serving as an assistant pastor in Philadelphia that the course of his vocation changed. In 1968, he was appointed an assistant director of Catholic Social Services, the springboard to two decades of service in social work. Bishop Cullen continued to serve as the agency’s assistant director until 1983 and was director from 1983 through 1988.

cullen2 Bishop Cullen was named Honorary Prelate to His Holiness Pope John Paul II on April 24, 1982. He served as Vicar for Administration and Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from 1988 through 1998 and was consecrated an Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia on April 14, 1994.

On December 16, 1997, His Holiness Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop Cullen as Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown. He was installed on February 9, 1998.

Almost immediately, Bishop Cullen began working proactively to remove offending priests from active ministry and to implement policies and procedures to prevent abuse and protect children. He was a strong advocate for incorporating a Zero-Tolerance Policy into Church law to enable permanent removal of perpetrators.

In 2002, Bishop Cullen became the first Bishop in Pennsylvania to convene a meeting of the District Attorneys of the five counties of the Diocese and turned over the personnel files of all priests known to have allegations against them.

Bishop Cullen also expanded criminal background checks for priests, deacons, employees, and volunteers. He formulated the Diocese’s Sexual Abuse Policy and Code of Conduct. He established the Diocesan Review Board to assist the Bishop in dealing with abuse cases. He created the position of Victim Assistance Coordinator. He named Safe Environment Coordinators at parishes, schools, and other locations, and he required anyone with contact with children to take the “Protecting God’s Children” training course.

Bishop Cullen also reorganized diocesan administration and launched a spiritual initiative called Renew 2000, a diocesan-wide, parish-level program in keeping with Pope John Paul II’s call for new evangelization in the Church.

In 2003, Bishop Cullen launched a $28 million capital campaign called “Strengthening Our Future in Faith.” The people of the Diocese pledged almost $54 million to the campaign.

In 2005, Bishop Cullen convoked the Second Synod of the Diocese of Allentown. The Synod closed in 2006. In accordance with the Synod’s statutes, the Bishop appointed the Diocese’s first Pastoral Council to advise him on implementing the Synod’s statutes. The Synod resulted in a restructuring of some parishes to better position the Diocese for the future, while continuing to serve the faithful.

Bishop Cullen was a past chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Women in Society and the Church, and served in

the past on the Conference’s Committee for Priestly Life and Ministry. Cullen Mass

He was honored at the first annual Catholic Charities Gala in 2008 to mark his 10th anniversary as Bishop of Allentown. It was during his tenure that the diocesan Commission for Women was created, and during his time as Bishop that Project Rachel was created to minister to women who are suffering in the aftermath of an abortion.

“Being the Bishop of Allentown has been a tremendous blessing,” he once said, reflecting on his time as spiritual leader of the Diocese of Allentown, “a blessing that is rooted in being immersed into the life of a Catholic community that is, by any measure, superlative.”

Pope Benedict XVI accepted Bishop Cullen’s resignation, at age 76, on May 27, 2009.

In retirement, Bishop Cullen wrote a booklet, “Alive in the Holy Spirit” in 2012. He subsequently published a book, “Lord God Holy Spirit, Sanctifier: A Reflection on the Holy Spirit Alive Within Us,” along with a companion piece, “If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” In 2022, he published the book, "Our Eucharistic Lord: A Pathway to the Transformation of Our Soul."

These were in addition to the pastoral letters he penned while serving as Bishop: “Experiencing the Love of Our Triune God” in 2008, and “The Cross and Suffering: The Bridge to the Transformation of the Soul” in 2009.

In retirement, he generously assisted successor Bishops in officiating at Confirmations around the Diocese, and conducting Retreats and Days of Recollection, in addition to devoting a great deal of time to personal prayer and reflection.

To view funeral services for Bishop Cullen, please visit our YouTube channel by clicking here.

Resources

Funeral Arrangements - Bishop Edward P. Cullen (153.7 KB)

Liturgical Guidance - Death of Bishop Edward P. Cullen (1.35 MB)

Obituary - Bishop Edward Peter Cullen (75.92 KB)

Reflection on Bishop Cullen from Bishop Barres (1.39 MB)

Funeral Vigil Program (2.76 MB)

Rite of Christian Burial Program (2.81 MB)

Funeral Homily for Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen (638.04 KB)

Image Gallery

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, offers remarks Oct. 15, 2003 to students in the Aquinas Program and their mentors, in the program’s new classroom at Notre Dame High School, Easton, the introduction of the program at the secondary level.

Bishop Cullen reviews the decree dated Jan. 28, 2005 announcing the Second Synod of Allentown with, from left, the Rev. David L. James, who was slated to be General Secretary of the Synod and later named Vicar for Synod Implementation, and the Rev. Msgr. Alfred A. Schlert, J.C.L., V.G., diocesan Vicar General.

The Most Rev. Edward Cullen, D.D., left, Bishop of Allentown, signs a decree promulgating 27 statutes at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown Dec. 10, 2006. Witnessing the historic moment is the Rev. David L. James, right, General Secretary of the Synod.

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, celebrates the Chrism Mass April 4, 2007 at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, left, addresses those gathered June 17, 2008 for the first Eastern Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation (EPSF) reception hosted by the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development June 17 at DeSales University, Center Valley.

Bishop Cullen Official Portrait

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., bishop of Allentown, celebrates his Mass of Installation Feb. 9, 1998 at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

Bishop Cullen cuts the ribbon during the dedication ceremony for the Lehigh-Northampton Counties Office of Catholic Charities, Sept. 8, 1999. Joining him is Barbara W. Murphy, Secretary for Catholic Human Services, and the Rev. Msgr. Joseph E. Kurtz, then director of Catholic Charities.

Bishop Cullen charged the Rev. E. Michael Camilli, Director of Renew 2000, left, and Jeanine Breault, Assistant Director, with leading the Renew 2000 revival of faith in the diocese. Parishes began forming small communities Oct. 8, 2000.

The newly created crucifix, made from pews of the old church, is a focal point in the sanctuary during the dedication Mass of St. Mary, Hamburg celebrated by Bishop Cullen, Dec 8, 2000.

Bishop Cullen offers opening remarks before the April 23, 2001 training workshop of Project Rachel at Mary Immaculate Center, Northampton.

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, celebrates Mass for the sisters of the Village of Peace Pentecost from Milyang, Korea, May 23, 2001 during a dedication ceremony at the site of their new center in Weatherly.

Cathedral parishioners and friends watch Oct. 27, 2001 as Bishop Cullen blesses the new John and Margaret Walson Center in honor of the completion of Phases I and II of a $5 million-plus long-term building and revitalization project at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, offers remarks Jan. 16, 2003 during the blessing and dedication of the new location for the Berks County Catholic Social Agency in the Madison Building at 400 Washington St., Reading. Among others on hand to witness the event are, from left, Jose Borras-Osorio, Berks CSA County Administrator, and Barbara W. Murphy, M.S.W., Secretary for Catholic Human Services and Executive Director of CSA.

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, leads the ribbon-cutting Sept. 22, 2003 at the dedication ceremony of “Expansion 2003 … Because We Care,” a $1.2 million expansion that will enhance the quality of life for the 208 residents of Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem. Joining him are, from left, Judee M. Bavaria, N.H.A., R.H.P.F., President of the HFM Board of Directors; and Jim Polaski, N.H.A., Administrator of HFM.

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, prays at the Wernersville grave of the Rev. Walter J. Ciszek Oct. 6, 2003. Examining the grave was a step toward the cause of Fr. Ciszek’s canonization.

Bishop Cullen expresses gratitude for the generosity of diocesan parishioners at the Strengthening Our Future in Faith Block I Campaign Kick-Off Dinner May 27, 2003 at the Holiday Inn, Fogelsville.

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, blesses the faithful and the main dining hall of the new site of the Diocese’s Ecumenical Kitchen at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Allentown, Jan. 4, 2004.

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, dedicates the new Immaculate Conception Academy, Birdsboro, Jan. 28, 2004.

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, gathers in Allentown in January 2004 with representatives of the various case elements that would each receive a portion of the more than $53 million raised in the Strengthening Our Future in Faith campaign: parish religious education; representing pastoral ministry and evangelization; education of future priests and permanent deacons, and the high schools; Catholic elementary schools; and local parishes and services for the elderly.

Bishop Cullen gathers with members of the new diocesan Commission for Women before their inaugural meeting June 23, 2004.

Accompanying Bishop Cullen, second from right, on the ad limina visit with the Holy Father was the Rev. Msgr. Alfred A. Schlert, J.C.L., V.G., diocesan Vicar General, right. The Rev. Andrew R. Baker, a priest from the Diocese of Allentown assigned to the Congregation for Bishops, left, joined the diocesan officials throughout the trip, Sept. 5-11, 2004.

Bishop Cullen gathers Nov. 10, 2004 with members of the then newly charted Lehigh Valley Chapter of Legatus after a Mass and Chartering Ceremony.

The Most. Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, conducts the Rite of Dedication of the Parish Church and Altar at the newly built Immaculate Conception BVM Church, Birdsboro, Dec. 17, 2003.

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D, Bishop of Allentown, center, reviews plans in March 2005 for the renovation project under way at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, to beautify the church structure and bring it into conformity with current liturgical guidelines, with the Rev. Msgr. Alfred A. Schlert, J.C.L., V.G., Diocesan Vicar General, left, and the Very Rev. Albert J. Byrne, V.F., Rector of the Cathedral.

Bishop Cullen meets with members of the Strengthening Our Future in Faith Lay Leadership Committee in 2005, from left, William McMahon of Reading, Joseph Chiaretti of Girardville, Dr. Brian Barket of Pottsville, William Mason of Jim Thorpe and Joan Pacala of Easton. Not pictured is Pam Welkie of Orefield. Bishop Cullen launched SOFF in 2003.

Parishioners gather in small groups to discuss individual topics during the Lehigh Deanery Synod Consultation. Approximately 1,400 Catholics from the Diocese of Allentown participated in the six Synod Listening Sessions conducted throughout the diocese, one in each deanery, Oct. 17 through Nov. 7, 2005.

Council on Accreditation President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Klarberg, third from left, presents the COA accreditation plaque for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown to Bishop Cullen. Joining Klarberg and the bishop at the Feb. 1, 2006 reception at St. Thomas More, Allentown are the Rev. Msgr. Walter T. Scheaffer, President of the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, left, and Barbara W. Murphy, M.S.W., diocesan Secretary for Human Services and Executive Director of Catholic Charities.

Diocesan officials and clergy witness the final seal in February 2006 on six boxes of materials and documents supporting the cause for canonization of the Rev. Walter J. Ciszek, S.J., a priest from the Diocese of Allentown. From left are the Rev. Msgr. Gerald E. Gobitas Th.M., Chancellor and Notary for the cause; Sr. Albertine Dawidowski, O.S.F., Director of the Fr. Ciszek Center in Shenandoah; the Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown.

Diocesan clergy and laity gather for the Second Plenary Session of the Second Synod of Allentown Sept. 16, 2006 at DeSales University, Center Valley.

Members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council review materials during their historic first meeting Feb. 6, 2007 at St. Thomas More, Allentown, to begin implementing statutes developed by the Second Synod of Allentown

The Rev. Msgr. Walter T. Scheaffer, President of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown Board of Directors, left, presents the Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, with a medallion recognizing his generosity to Catholic Charities. Msgr. Scheaffer made the presentation at the first annual Catholic Charities Gala to honor Bishop Cullen’s 10th anniversary as Bishop of Allentown Feb. 10, 2008 at the Holiday Inn, Fogelsville.

The Most Rev. Edward P. Cullen, D.D., Bishop of Allentown, celebrates Mass at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, Feb. 10, 2008, marking the 10th anniversary of being installed Bishop of Allentown.

Bishop Cullen shares some excerpts from his pastoral letters during an evening reflection for men sponsored by Men’s Fellowship of the Diocese of Allentown May 23, 2012 at Notre Dame of Bethlehem.