"I'm sure he had a lot of input in the Holy Father's decision." He's uneasy when asked which of his personal qualities his friend would have pitched to the pontiff. "I think he believes I relate well with people and can listen to them and interact with them effectively. I think he knows I'm loyal to church teaching and have a love for that and the life of the church."

Many Utahns agree and have said they will miss those very qualities, among others. A farewell Mass has been scheduled at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow at a location to be announced.

He wants to thank Utahns "for their friendship and support and encouragement. I take away wonderful memories and encourage them to reach out in that same way to my successor and to each other.

"I tell people it was a real wrench to leave Southern California after nearly 60 years, yet it led to some of the most wonderful years of my life here in Utah. I'm hoping that will be the case there as well. I've made a lot of friends here who have been very kind to me. It's not easy to let go of all that."

In fact, the bishop told the Deseret Morning News earlier this year that he fully expected to retire from the diocese here in five years.

Yet, as he penned in his 2004 book, "Precious as Silver," the bishop believes that "For the faithful disciple, what Jesus values and prefers is what matters most. When we listen with open, humble hearts and minds, he promises to lead us in his way, by his light, to the fullness of his life. Let us listen and follow together, as his disciples."

For Utahns familiar with both Bishop Niederauer and the phrase "I'll go where you want me to go," there was never any question in his mind about turning down a call from God, no matter where it leads.

"I'm not depressed. I see God's will in it, and that's what matters. But it's still humanly hard to leave."

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E-mail: carrie@desnews.com