Buffalo (WBEN) -- The city of Buffalo has honored the retiring Bishop Edward Kmiec, leader of the Diocese of Buffalo.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown issuing a formal proclamation recognizing Aug. 1, 2012 as "Most Reverend Edward U. Kmiec Day in the City of Buffalo."

Brown presented the document during a special indoor picnic Wednesday afternoon at the Catholic Center at 795 Main St.  Kmiec is retiring as of Aug. 10 following more than 50 years of service to the Catholic Church.

"There is a wonderful sense of relief and liberation, in a sense, because you step away from all of the different kinds of concerns that you have for the diocese," Kmiec told the assembled crowd.

Kmiec says he worked with a great staff "... and they'll be great collaborators, along with the priests, the religious, and the people of the diocese. It's a great diocese. Great people ... very deep faith here."  

Some of the tables at the second floor cafeteria included balloons that read "Retirement".

Bishop Richard Malone of Maine will assume leadership of the diocese during an installation mass set for Friday, Aug. 10.