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By Matthew Peaslee

Bishop David Bonnar came home earlier this summer. The South Hills native, and former priest of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, was named bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, in the fall of 2020. Last month, Bonnar celebrated a homecoming Mass at his former parish -- a place that truly formed his life's mission.

Bishop David Bonnar greets churchgoers at St. Gabriel in Whitehall.

Bonnar was raised in St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Virgin Church in Whitehall. The church is now part of Our Lady of Hope Parish. Bonnar attended St. Gabriel Elementary School and graduated from Seton-LaSalle High School in 1980, as part of the first graduating class of that newly formed high school.

While a priest in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, he served in New Castle, Greenfield, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon and Wexford. Bonnar also served as rector of St. Paul Seminary, director of vocations and director of the office of permanent deacons. For a time, he was also a chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Bonnar served as editor of "The Priest" magazine, a national publication published by Our Sunday Visitor. He has been a priest for nearly 33 years.

He said he owes so much gratitude to the teachers, priests, nuns and friends he made growing up within the St. Gabriel family.

"The foundation for my life was formed right here," Bonnar said as he stood on the altar with Father John Skirtich, pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish. Bonnar and Skirtich were classmates in high school and in seminary. They remain close friends to this day.

"It is a great honor having a newly named bishop and native son from our parish preside at a Sunday liturgy," Skirtich said.

Following Mass, Bonnar presented Skirtich with a $5,000 check to be used for new statues at the four churches of the parish -- St. Gabriel, Nativity in South Park, St. Valentine in Bethel Park and St. Germaine in Bethel Park.

"In gratitude for the many blessings, I have received from my parents and the St. Gabriel upbringing," Bonnar said. "I believe it is so important for everyone to look forward to Our Lady of Hope knowing that the front windshield is larger than the rearview mirror. I believe the best is yet to be."

Bonnar's inspiring message to the congregation complements his Episcopal Motto as a new bishop, "That all may be one." That is especially important as many parishes throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh are currently undergoing many changes.

Bonnar is experiencing similar changes in the Diocese of Youngstown as mergers and church closings may soon be on the horizon in the northeast Ohio diocese, as well. His engaging personality and strong leadership made him the ideal candidate in the role of dedicated servant to the thousands of Catholics in Youngstown.

"The work of fostering unity is something I learned in the home from my dear parents, George and Bernie Bonnar. Unity is something that I have sought to achieve in all my priestly assignments," Bishop Bonnar said.

Following the Mass, Bonnar greeted hundreds of people at a reception held in the church hall. The inaugural Our Lady of Hope Summer Fest will be held at St. Valentine Aug. 11-14.

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