Grand Rapids, Michigan (January 23, 2007) -

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A retired auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit who has won wide praise for his efforts on behalf of peace worldwide will make a return engagement to Aquinas College.

Bishop Thomas Gumbleton will speak at Aquinas College on Tuesday, January 30 at 7 p.m. in the Wege Student Center Ballroom. His talk will focus on Forgiveness and Reconciliation. There is no charge and the public is invited to attend.

During his lifetime, Gumbleton has been honored with more than six dozen awards, recognizing his humanitarian efforts on behalf of peace and justice as well as numerous honorary degrees, including one from Aquinas College. Gumbleton was also invited to speak at the College in January 2006

Last year, Gumbleton retired from St. Leo’s Church in Detroit where he had served as pastor for 23 years. In 2006, he also marked his 50th anniversary in the priesthood.

Bishop Gumbleton has been an outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq. His efforts on behalf of peace have taken him to dozens of countries around the globe. He is the founding president of Pax Christi, USA and a co-founder of the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights. In addition, he has also been active as a board member for dozens of organizations.

Earlier this month, Bishop Gumbleton received with 2007 Martin Luther King Junior Spirit of Detroit award for his lifetime achievements on behalf of human rights.