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ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Rochester Diocese Bishop Matthew Clark will submit his resignation next month when he turns 75, as required by church law. Clark is the diocese's second longest serving bishop, with a tenure that spans 33 years.

When he submits his letter of resignation on July 15, the Vatican will begin the process of selecting his successor, which could take up to a year. With his birthday less than three weeks away, Clark said he has begun to reflect on his years of ministry, especially his association with the Rochester community.

"The imminence of my birthday in July obviously for some months, has made me focus not on that date, but it sort of opened doors to the past and floods of memories have come through, and I suppose will continue to do so of just the wonderful rich experience of having had the privilege of being the bishop in this community," said Clark.

An exhibit in the gathering area of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester, depicts Bishop Clark's life and ministry, including his more than three decades as a leader of the Rochester Catholic Diocese.