Early life and education Maida was born on March 18, 1930, in
East Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, to Adam and Sophie (née Cieslak) Maida. The oldest of three children, he has two brothers, Thaddeus (who also became a
priest) and Daniel. His father immigrated from
Poland at age 16, while his mother was the daughter of Polish immigrants. Maida attended Vandergrift High School and Scott Township High School, each for one year. In 1950, Maida transferred to
Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he earned a
Bachelor of Philosophy degree in 1952. He later served at Holy Innocents Parish in
Sheraden, Pennsylvania. He also established a diocesan planning council and ministry formation program, initiated a diocesan census, implemented the
RCIA process, and raised $9 million through Lumen Christi education endowment campaign. He was installed on June 12, 1990. On November 26, 1994, John Paul II elevated Maida to the
College of Cardinals as
Cardinal-Priest of
Ss. Vitale, Valeria, Gervasio e Protasio. In January 2007, Maida relieved Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus
Thomas Gumbleton of his pastoral duties at St. Leo Parish in Detroit. Gumbleton claimed he was being punished by Maida for his outspoken views on sexual abuse crimes by clergy. Maida claimed that he was following church rules on retirement of bishops.
Retirement On January 5, 2009, the Vatican announced acceptance of Maida's resignation and the appointment of Bishop
Allen Vigneron, from the
Diocese of Oakland, as his successor. Vigneron was installed on January 28, 2009, at the
Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit Maida became
apostolic administrator of Detroit and assisted Vigneron with the transition. Maida celebrated his final mass at the cathedral on January 25, 2009. This was also held in celebration of the 25th anniversary of his consecration as a bishop. ==See also==