Priests of the diocese, gathered outside St. Paul Cathedral Saturday, broke into applause after Bishop Rueger's funeral Mass. The leader they were honoring was also lauded by the presence of the more than 300 people at his funeral.

After talking about Jesus embracing his mission to show God’s face to saint and sinner alike, Father Dennis J. O’Brien told stories about Bishop Rueger at his wake service Friday night.

Students were among those honoring Bishop Rueger – a faithful supporter of Catholic education – as his body was taken to the St. Paul Cathedral for viewing and services Friday. Hundreds paid their respects to Bishop Rueger, auxiliary bishop for three of Worcester's bishops.

The Chrism Mass, celebrated April 11 at St. Paul Cathedral, was an honor not only for priests, but for laity. At this annual Mass the bishop blesses the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens and consecrates the Holy Chrism, to be used for the administration of the sacraments throughout the diocese in the coming year

Bishop George E. Rueger was remembered this week not only as a spiritual mentor but as a long-time friend. When he died Saturday at Christopher House in Worcester, there was not a dry eye in the room, said Sister Mary Ann Bartell, the Carmelite Sister of the Eucharist who heads the diocese’s ministry to retired priests.