Retired Raleigh bishop dies at 83

Retired Raleigh bishop F. Joseph Gossman died Monday after a long illness, according to the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh.

Gossman, 83, served as Bishop of Raleigh for 31 years before retiring in 2006. 

"I ask the faithful in the Diocese to join me in praying for the eternal happiness of Bishop Gossman and to thank God for the gifts of his priestly example and faithful ministry," current Bishop of Raleigh Michael F. Burbidge said in a statement Monday.   

Burbidge will celebrate Mass for Gossman at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday at Sacred Heart Cathedral in downtown Raleigh. Funeral arrangements are pending.