The North Star Catholic / February 2016

Anchorage Archbishop calls late predecessor a ‘tribute’ to Alaska

When something significant happens — something of historical note — we take notice. The death of Archbishop Francis Hurley, along with the prayers, rituals, funeral and finally his burial at the Cooper Landing cemetery of St. John Neumann Parish, was certainly one of those moments. It is the first time that the Archdiocese of Anchorage witnessed the death and bid farewell to its retired archbishop through the church’s rituals and liturgies.

Anchorage Archbishop’s Feb. Calendar

The following is a list of liturgies and events which Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz is scheduled to participate in during the month of February.

News & Upcoming Events around Anchorage Archdiocese

The following is a round-up of news briefs and upcoming events from around the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

Alaskans of all stripes share stories of their ever-present Archbishop Hurley

Late Anchorage Archbishop Emeritus Francis Hurley was renown for his ability to connect with Alaskans of all stripes. From the elevated wielders of political power to the down and out on the streets of Anchorage, Archbishop Hurley walked easily, and generously, into the lives of his fellow Alaskans. The following tributes are just a few of the many memories Alaskans have shared following Archbishop Hurley’s death on Jan. 10.

‘The Flying Archbishop’ was a man of vision

A few weeks after his installation, the archbishop called and we met at Merrill Field for the first flight. I was pleasantly surprised to find him such a normal, down-to-earth person who had a natural ability for flying. We hit it off immediately. Me being born in Ireland, like the archbishop’s mother, helped.

Archbishop Hurley: A friend who made us better

Archbishop Hurley had a gift for involving others in the things that he was passionate about, to engender in others that same zeal and to see, that in common purpose, each of us have possibilities we never knew we possessed. It is rare to have a friend or a leader who can engender in others such confidence and purpose.