Retired Bishop F. Joseph Gossman, center, is greeted before the start of a Mass of Thanksgiving in early September at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary. The church was celebrating the 40th anniversary of Gossman's ordination as a bishop. 'Today, we gather to show our love for you, Bishop Gossman, and our profound gratitude for the gift you have been and will remain for all of us,' said Raleigh Bishop Michael Burbidge during the service. Gossman, who was ordained a priest in 1955, became a bishop in 1968 at the age of 38. He was installed as the fourth bishop of Raleigh in 1975 and served until his retirement in 2006. More than 600 people, including nearly a dozen bishops, attended the celebration. 'There are no words to express my gratitude to God for giving me 31 years to serve as your bishop,' Gossman said. 'God bless all of you for helping me to say thanks to the Lord God.'