Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Bishop John. S. Bonnici sat down with Catholic Courier Staff Writer Mike Latona for his first one-on-one interview as bishop-designate of the Diocese of Rochester. Learn more about Bishop Bonnici’s upbringing; his path to ordained ministry; his experiences in New York City during the events of September 11, 2001, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic; challenges facing the universal Church today; and his initial goals and plans as he takes on the role of diocesan bishop in Rochester.
0:34 – Bishop Bonnici’s family background
2:17 – A mother’s prayerful influence
4:12 – From the science track to the priesthood
8:14 – Bishop Bonnici’s hobbies and interests
12:10 – A Yankees fan
13:23 – Remembering Sept. 11, 2001
17:06 – Serving the needs of the community at Ground Zero
19:38 – Unprecedented challenges to ministering during the pandemic
24:49 – Receiving a life-changing phone call
27:50 – Challenges and opportunities facing the Church today
32:56 – Diocesan similarities and differences
35:45 – Priorities for beginning in Rochester
37:58 – New bishop is a ‘people person’
40:32 – Relationships continue despite transition
42:16 – Closing thoughts
Bishop John. S. Bonnici sat down with Catholic Courier Staff Writer Mike Latona for his first one-on-one interview as bishop-designate of the Diocese of Rochester. Learn more about Bishop Bonnici’s upbringing; his path to ordained ministry; his experiences in New York City during the events of September 11, 2001, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic; challenges facing the universal Church today; and his initial goals and plans as he takes on the role of diocesan bishop in Rochester.
0:34 – Bishop Bonnici’s family background
2:17 – A mother’s prayerful influence
4:12 – From the science track to the priesthood
8:14 – Bishop Bonnici’s hobbies and interests
12:10 – A Yankees fan
13:23 – Remembering Sept. 11, 2001
17:06 – Serving the needs of the community at Ground Zero
19:38 – Unprecedented challenges to ministering during the pandemic
24:49 – Receiving a life-changing phone call
27:50 – Challenges and opportunities facing the Church today
32:56 – Diocesan similarities and differences
35:45 – Priorities for beginning in Rochester
37:58 – New bishop is a ‘people person’
40:32 – Relationships continue despite transition
42:16 – Closing thoughts
