Archbishop Hebda named as permanent archbishop of Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis

The Holy See announced March 24 that Archbishop Bernard Hebda has been appointed as permanent archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The announcement comes nine months after Archbishop Hebda was named apostolic administrator of the archdiocese, while retaining his role as coadjutor archbishop of the Archdiocese of Newark. An installation Mass will be held May 13. “When I arrived in Minnesota for the first time last June, I was but a visitor — assigned as Apostolic Administrator to help with the operations of the Archdiocese until Pope Francis named a new Archbishop,” Archbishop Hebda wrote in a statement released Thursday morning. “In the nine months since then, I have been blessed to witness your deep faith and your commitment to Christ’s Church, His people, and the Eucharist. I consider many of you friends. “That is why it is with joy that I tell you of Pope Francis’ decision to appoint me as the next Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The Pope and the Holy Spirit evidently had different plans for me than I had anticipated, and I am humbled and honored to be named your shepherd,” he said. The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has struggled with many challenges in recent years relating to allegations of clergy sexual abuse, including civil and criminal charges and bankruptcy. “I know from my nine months in the Archdiocese that there is much work yet to be done to overcome the significant challenges we continue to face, but I am firm in my conviction that the Lord is truly present here, even in our struggles,” Archbishop Hebda added. “The exceptional staff and leadership team at the Archdiocese, along with our strong priests, committed religious, and dynamic lay leaders are all reasons for great hope. You all seem to work tirelessly to serve Christ and His people no matter where they are found and for that I am most grateful. “It has already been an honor serving you and I very much look forward to continuing to serve you and this vibrant community for as long as the Lord sees fit.” See why Archbishop Hebda was named one of Our Sunday Visitor’s 2015 Catholics of the Year : From the issue of Dec. 27 By Maria Wiering This fall, Catholics from across the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis gathered for a series of listening sessions to address their local Church’s strengths and challenges, as well as the attributes they hoped to see in their next archbishop. Nearly 2,000 Catholics attended the 10 sessions, with scores of others adding to the conversation in writing. Their opinions ranged widely, but a single phrase was repeated often enough to thread a certain unity: “Thank you.” For many, it was a gift to have been heard. The sessions were the brainchild of Archbishop Bernard Hebda, coadjutor of Newark, New Jersey, who took on the additional role of apostolic administrator of St. Paul and Minneapolis in June following the resignations of Archbishop John Nienstedt and Auxiliary Bishop Lee Piché. Archbishop Hebda, 56, credited the listening session idea to Pope Francis, citing the pontiff’s consultative example and reminder to bishops that “dialogue is our method.” Archbishop Hebda hoped the sessions would be a step toward healing for an archdiocese wounded by clergy sex abuse scandals, bankruptcy and criminal charges. He also hoped they would inform the nuncio’s recommendations to Pope Francis for the archdiocese’s next archbishop. A representative of the nunciature who attended several listening sessions said they were unprecedented in an episcopal selection process.” Archbishop Hebda made clear at the onset of his assignment to St. Paul and Minneapolis that he viewed his work there as his primary role. He has approached his temporary flock with humility, deference and good humor. Telling is another idea frequently expressed to Archbishop Hebda, which one meeting attendee put this way: “Can’t you just stay?” For his compassion and creativity in helping to heal a community ...