Archbishop Hebda Appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
The following is a letter from The Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda to the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am humbled by Pope Francis’ decision to appoint me to serve as Apostolic Administrator for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. I am grateful for his confidence and I look forward to working with Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens and the leadership of the Archdiocese. I pray that I will be able to be of some service to you, the priests and faithful of the Archdiocese, as you prepare for the appointment of a new Archbishop.
Fondly recalling my years as a Bishop in Northern Michigan, where I first came to know the vibrancy of the faith shared by Catholics of the upper Midwest, I am hopeful that there will be opportunities to meet many of you in the weeks ahead. Mindful of Pope Francis’ challenge to bishops to be true shepherds who walk in the midst of the flock to the point of developing “ears open to listening to the voice of the sheep entrusted to their care,” it is my intention to be as available as possible, while still fulfilling my responsibilities as the Coadjutor Archbishop of Newark. As the Universal Church prepares to embark on a Year of Mercy, I look forward to getting to know this local Church and experiencing in a new context the marvelous ways in which the Lord works through His people to make His grace and healing presence known and felt, even in the most challenging of times.
Our loving God frequently finds ways to remind us that even those who exercise leadership in the Church do so as laborers and not as the Master Builder: the Church is not ours but Christ’s. While it is always true that we are merely stewards for a time in a vineyard that is not our own, the role of an Apostolic Administrator is particularly temporary. The law of the Church reminds us that an Administrator is not to introduce change, but rather to facilitate the smooth continuation of the ordinary and essential activities of the Church, while advancing those positive initiatives to which the Archdiocese is already committed. It is my hope that I might be able to be faithful to that vision so that whenever a new Archbishop is appointed, he will find in this local Church a vibrant community of missionary disciples that is growing in its knowledge of the love of Jesus and in its shared commitment to the Gospel.
For this to happen, I realize that I will need the prayers and support of you, the priests, deacons, religious, and laity of the Archdiocese. In this time of transition, please join me in asking for the intercession of Our Lady of Mercy. May she not only seek God’s blessings for those who have given themselves to the service of this local Church in the past, but also draw us ever closer to the Heart of her Son so that we might more perfectly radiate His healing love in the days to come.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Bernard A. Hebda
Apostolic Administrator
Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Below is a statement from The Most Reverend John J. Myers on Archbishop Hebda’s appointment.
We extend to Archbishop Hebda our prayers and best wishes as he assumes additional duties as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul-Minneapolis. The many Priests, Religious and Laypeople here in this local Church of Newark who have worked with him on various projects over the past two years know full well his love for the Church and her people. The faithful of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul-Minneapolis certainly will benefit from his wisdom and caritas.
The Apostolic Nuncio informed both Archbishop Hebda and me on Saturday afternoon, June 13, about the Holy Father’s request for Archbishop Hebda to accept this assignment. We have spoken briefly about how he can best schedule his time and energies to serve the people of Newark and Saint Paul-Minneapolis in the coming weeks and months until the Holy Father names a successor to Archbishop John Nienstedt, who is retiring from ministry.
I am sure you all will understand that we are still in the early stages of this moment, and Archbishop Hebda will need to take time to become familiar with the needs of the people of Saint Paul-Minneapolis. Together, he and I will ensure that we fulfill the Holy Father’s wishes to address the many needs of the people of both great Archdioceses.