After 47 years of service, Father Ralph Bove is retiring from the priesthood, effective June 30, 2025. (Photo from Holy Family School)

NORWICH – Of the many milestones in one’s life, retirement is among the most significant. After 47 years of service, Father Ralph Bove is retiring from the priesthood, effective June 30, 2025.

Ordained in 1978, Bove came to Norwich 16 years ago, and has acted as the pastor of St. Paul’s and St. Bartholomew’s churches.

“From the day we met in the hallway of Holy Family School in mid-June 2009, a friendship began that I expect will continue long after he moves away from Norwich,” said Christine Carnrike, former parish trustee, of Fr. Bove. “Along with the members of both parishes here in Norwich, I wish Fr. Ralph a well-deserved retirement full of prayer, peace, and contentment.”

Fr. Bove grew up on the lower east side of Manhattan, and as a child, attended St. Ann’s Academy, an all-boys school in Manhattan. Bove credits the Marist brothers, who staffed the school, as inspirational educators.

After telling his parents his intent to join the priesthood – a revelation that surprised his parents – Bove spent a year of his studies in Rome, Italy. He learned the language, took courses at the Angelicum, and spent his deacon year at a parish in Italy.

Bove’s ordination occurred on May 27, 1978, at his home church, St. Joseph’s. Bove said the ordination was his most memorable moment.  Auxiliary Bishop, Joseph Maria Pernicone, presided at the ordination.

“He was a very spiritual man,” Fr. Bove said of Bishop Pernicone. “You could feel that presence in his life.”

Fr. Bove’s first pastorate was in Syracuse at St. Peter’s Church (now named the Church of Our Lady of Pompei – St. Peter). He then returned to New York City to serve as pastor in two parishes originally belonging to the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Charles, the Scalabrinians.

After several years there, Bove asked for incardination to the Diocese of Syracuse. In 2005, Bove assisted Father James Gehl as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Church, then served at St. James Church in Johnson City.

On July 1, 2009, Bove became pastor at St. Bartholomew’s and St. Paul’s churches in Norwich.

Fr. Bove looked back fondly on his first pastorship at St. Peter’s Church.

“I loved the area, and the people I was working with at St. Peter’s were extremely generous in every conceivable way,” Bove said. “I kind of fell in love with the area and the people, and I did not mind the cold at all.”

In 2018, on the 40th anniversary of his ordination, Fr. Bove submitted his retirement to Bishop Cunningham. However, at Bishop Cunningham’s request, Fr. Bove continued his service in Norwich.

Over the past seven years, Fr. Bove has weathered the challenges of COVID, along with a back injury and long recovery. During the recovery, Fr. Bove was unable to say mass.

Reflecting on retirement during that period, Fr. Bove said: “I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I retired. I want to continue what I’m doing as a parish priest.”

The community is invited to attend a farewell reception for Fr. Bove. The reception will be held Sunday, June 22 from 1-3 p.m. at the St. Bartholomew’s Church Parish Center on East Main. St.

“I enjoyed the numerous discussions we had regarding parish business, but mostly the religious and spiritual wisdom Fr. Ralph brought to every conversation,” said John DeSarro, Parish Council President. “He will be missed, and he deserves a no-stress retirement.”

- The Evening Sun