RIP Retired Bishop Hubert Joseph Hart - Death of the former Bishop of Cheyenne, Wyoming who was Accused of Abuse



Former Bishop Hubert Joseph Hart of Cheyenne, Wyoming has died at age 91 on August 23, 2023. H. Joseph Hart (age 91), Emeritus Bishop of Cheyenne, died Wednesday, August 23, 2023. He was accused of abuse which was investigated by the Vatican, afterwards his activities were restricted and he was rebuked by the CDF for his conduct (see link at bottom). Based on the assessment of the bishop delegate, Bishop Hart’s guilt was not proven with moral certitude, which is held to be equivalent to “beyond a reasonable doubt,” the legal standard of proof required to impose a criminal conviction. These findings do not equate to innocence; rather, a high burden of proof has not been met. Funeral Services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family.
Statement from Bishop Steven Biegler, Diocese of Cheyenne, regarding the death of Bishop Emeritus H. Joseph Hart 
The passing of Joseph Hart reflects a time of sorrow. Undoubtedly his death elicits painful memories for many, especially those who sought accountability and justice.
The Scripture readings and the liturgy itself proclaim the mystery of God’s love and the mystery of Jesus’ victorious death and resurrection – mysteries that apply to the deceased and to our lives. At death, we remember that final healing, reconciliation, and judgment rests in the hands of God. We entrust the brokenness of humanity to the Lord, who alone has the power to restore us.
So, during this time of anguish, my message to those survivors remains, I support and believe you and will continue to work and pray for healing for all involved in this profoundly painful time.
I also want to express my condolences to the family members of Joseph Hart and assure them of my prayers. The funeral liturgies remind us of the compassionate love of God for every single person.
I invite everyone to join me in prayer for healing and the restoration of the community and for all those affected by Bishop Hart’s death, especially the survivors. The path toward healing is lifelong, and although his death will not bring closure for survivors, their family members, and others impacted, we should continue to work and pray without ceasing for the healing of everyone affected by these distressing matters. In the Diocese of Cheyenne, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect the most vulnerable and to accompany those who have been harmed on a journey of healing.
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At the time of the investigation in 2021 the bishop wrote to the victims: “Today, I want the survivors to know that I support and believe you” said Bishop Steven Biegler. “I understand that this announcement will not bring closure to the survivors, their family members, Bishop Hart and all those affected. I will continue to work and pray for their healing and for all involved in these painful and distressing matters. In the Diocese of Cheyenne, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect the most vulnerable and to accompany those who have been harmed on a journey of healing.” 
Biography of The Most Reverend Hubert Joseph Hart 1978-2001
On July 1, 1976, Bishop Hart was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Cheyenne and Titular Bishop of Thimida Regia by Pope Paul VI. He received his episcopal consecration on the following August 31 from Bishop Hubert Newell, with Bishops Charles Helmsing and Michael McAuliffe serving as co-consecrators. As an auxiliary bishop, he served as vicar general of the Cheyenne Diocese and pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Casper.
Following the retirement of Bishop Newell, Hart was named the sixth Bishop of Cheyenne on April 25, 1978. He was formally installed at St. Mary's Cathedral on the following June 12, and selected as his episcopal motto: "Dominus Pars."
During his tenure as Bishop, he established the annual Bishop's Appeal and ordained 25 priests for the diocese. He was an active member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and served as chairman of the bishops of Conference Region XIII, which includes the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, for six years. He retired on September 26, 2001, after twenty-three years as ordinary of the Cheyenne Diocese.
Hart was born to Hubert and Kathryn (née Muser) Hart in Kansas City, Missouri. His brother James was a priest of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, and his sister Rosemary was human resources director for the Environmental Protection Agency. He attended St. Peter's Grade School (1936–1944) and Bishop Hogan High School (1944–1948) before studying at Rockhurst College and St. Meinrad Seminary.
https://dcwy.org/wyoming-bishops-history

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