News & upcoming events across the archdiocese
The following is a news round up and upcoming events across the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska.
EDITOR’S PICKS
Former Planned Parenthood director to speak at Alaska Right to Life
Alaska Right to Life is hosting a former Planned Parenthood clinic director for four nights as part of their annual Fall Banquet series. Pro-life activist Abby Johnson will speak at venues in Kenai, Anchorage, Palmer and Fairbanks.
Fr. Bugarin retires to take up environmental work in Philippines
Father Fred Bugarin, a long-time pastor who celebrated his 40th anniversary of priesthood for the Archdiocese of Anchorage last year, has officially retired to devote part of his time to working in his native Philippines with an environmental project called “Eco Genesis.”
Br. Francis Shelter saw large numbers seek summer shelter in Anchorage
This summer our community saw the impact of homelessness more than ever. There seemed to be more camps on our trails, more people on street corners and in parking lots asking for help, and more stories in the media talking about the incredible challenges.
Groundbreaking Filipino priest dies unexpectedly in Fairbanks
Father Nelson Marilag died suddenly and unexpectedly on Sept. 20 while serving as a priest in the Diocese of Fairbanks.
A native of the Philippines, he served in the Archdiocese of Anchorage from the time of his arrival from the Diocese of Butuan in 2002, until 2010 when he transferred to serve in the Diocese of Fairbanks as part of an innovative program to share priests across Alaska’s three Catholic dioceses.
Red Mass cancelled for this year
The annual Red Mass, celebrated for all those who practice law, will not take place in the Anchorage Archdiocese this year.
A ‘pilgrim faith’ can face suicide
When my brother died, my mother didn’t want anyone to know it was suicide. She feared the priest would not bury my brother in our Catholic cemetery if he knew.
Mat-Su teen sisters find joy, friendship in befriending elders in need
“They’ll tell you funny stories and sad stories, and all they really need is someone to listen,” 14-year-old Angela Houser said of her regular visits to the Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home in Palmer. “Just to see them light up when they tell their stories makes me happy.”
Young Alaskan outdoorsman off to train for priesthood
Burke, 19, is the oldest of 11 siblings and the son of Toby and Laura Burke of rural Kenai. A product of life-long home-schooling, he is an avid Alaskan hunter and fisherman.
Alaska parishes to join in National Day of Prayer for peace
Catholic parishes across the Anchorage Archdiocese plan to take part in one hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament as part of the National Day of Prayer on Sept. 9. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called for the prayer day after a number of shootings have caused racial tensions and violence around the country.