Bishop Robert J. Cunningham, bishop of Syracuse stands behind Bishop Bernard J. McLaughlin, auxiliary bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Buffalo, at the beginning of Bishop McLaughlin's 100th birthday Mass, celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church, Kenmore in 2012. (Patrick McPartland/Staff Photographer)

UPDATE: Bishop Richard J. Malone talked about Bishop McLaughlin at Wednesday's Catholic Charities press conference. You can listen to the audio below:

Upon the occasion of Bishop Bernard J. McLaughlin's 100th birthday in 2012, several bishops who knew him offered words on their relationship. Following Bishop McLaughlin's passing this week, we're reprinting several of those comments:

"To Bishop Bernard McLaughlin — a great shepherd and friend. You are a special blessing of God for the Church and especially the Diocese of Buffalo. I give thanks and praise to God for not only the length of 100 years of your life, but for all your work and witness during those years. I thank you for the lessons of humility and noble simplicity in your role as bishop. I thank you for your mentoring, loyalty and love of Church." 
Bishop Donald Trautman, bishop emeritus of Erie

"Your faith and commitment to priestly ministry is a blessing and witness not only to the Diocese of Buffalo but to the whole Church. Thank you for your generous ministry, your gracious spirit and for years of love and service to the people entrusted to your pastoral care. You show us all the way and we are deeply grateful."
Bishop Matthew Clark, bishop emeritus of Rochester

"I shall always be grateful to him for the imposition of his hands in priestly ordination. It was a special privilege to work with him in parish ministry for my first five years as a priest. He served as a wonderful mentor during my Chancery years in Buffalo."
Bishop Robert J. Cunningham, bishop of Syracuse

"Whenever I think of Bishop Bernard McLaughlin, I reflect on how grateful we are to be blessed by his ongoing presence and perceptive insights. He is the epitome of what it means to be a stalwart bishop. Through all the years he has been edifying, encouraging, and reassuring. His continuing wisdom is most impressive. Bishop McLaughlin loves the Church and God's people enormously. We are profoundly in his debt."
Archbishop Henry J. Mansell, archbishop of Hartford, Conn.