New Fairbanks bishop called to humbly “keep watch” over his flock
Editor’s note: The following is Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz’s Dec. 15 homily given at the ordination of Bishop Chad Zielinski as the head of the Fairbanks Diocese.
ALASKA NEWS
New Fairbanks bishop challenged to lead in humility, openness
Catholics in the Fairbanks Diocese were urged to accept, love and pray for their newly ordained bishop who “has pledged to give his life to you.” This was part of the homily given by Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz before he ordained Bishop Chad Zielinski as the sixth bishop of Fairbanks.
Anchorage co-cathedral highlights role of Mary in evangelization
Editor’s note: The following homily by Pope Francis’ highest ranking ambassador to the United States Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano was given in Anchorage on Dec. 12 during the elevation of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church to the status of co-cathedral for the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska.
Our Lady of Guadalupe becomes Anchorage’s co-cathedral
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church was elevated to co-cathedral status Dec. 12 in a Mass featuring many ethnic cultural celebrations and attended by Alaska’s four bishops and Vatican ambassador, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano. More than 700 people packed the largest Catholic church in Alaska and one of the state’s most ethnically diverse parishes. Several attended in traditional cultural costumes, Peruvian, Filipino, Mexican, Columbian, Samoan and Alaska Native peoples and several took part in the liturgy.
Last U.S. missionary diocese to welcome new bishop tonight in Fairbanks, Alaska
Bishop-elect Chad Zielinski will become the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Fairbanks on Dec. 15. Eight Archbishops and bishops will participate in the ordination Mass scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. The Mass, celebrated by Anchorage Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz, will both ordain Bishop-elect Zielinski as a bishop and install him as the head of the Fairbanks diocese. More than one thousand people are expected to attend.
Pope’s top U.S. ambassador impressed by Anchorage’s Catholic schools
The Holy See’s chief ambassador to the United States, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, visited Anchorage’s Lumen Christi High School and Holy Rosary Academy on Dec. 12, saying that such visits are part of his preferred activities when traveling the country on official duty.
Getting past awkwardness to strengthen families
Not all marriages start on equal footing. Many husbands and wives begin their union after having grown up in broken homes or with one or both parents largely absent from their childhood. Failure to grow up in a home where family meals, prayer and recreation are staples of life makes it that much harder to establish these practices in one’s own family. Never seeing your mom and dad work out differences means you have less to draw from when your own conflicts arise. Never experiencing consistent, loving discipline leaves one at a disadvantage when attempting to teach children to lead virtuous and disciplined lives.
News & events across the Anchorage Archdiocese
Here is a sampling of news and upcoming events from around the Anchorage Archdiocese.
Alaska Filipinos prep for Simbang Gabi Advent Masses
Simbang Gabi is a series of special Masses leading up to Christmas. The celebration of the nine-day novena of Masses is one of the longest-running and most popular Catholic Filipino religious traditions. At the Masses, the faithful especially focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary in the preparation for the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. In Anchorage, Simbang Gabi Masses will take place as scheduled:
Christmas events in the Anchorage Archdiocese
Here are several holiday events planned in the Anchorage Archdiocese, including the Christmas Eve Mass with Anchorage Archbishop Roger Schwietz at the Brother Francis Shelter for homeless Anchorage residents.