Thanks given for Archbishop Wester

Friday, May. 08, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY — Reactions of surprise, words of encouragement and praise, and feelings of sadness were expressed throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City after news broke April 27 that Pope Francis had named the Most. Rev. John C. Wester the new Archbishop of Santa Fe. 

Archbishop Wester’s brother priests, deacons, religious sisters, lay Catholics, religious leaders of other faiths and Gov. Gary Herbert’s Office all wished him well, but said they will miss him and pray for him.

Many tears were shed at the farewell dinner that the clergy held in Archbishop Wester’s honor on April 29, said Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general and vicar for clergy. (See story, p. 9)

“At the end of the meal during the tributes, allusions were made to the final verses of Acts 20: ‘After this discourse, Paul knelt down with them all and prayed. They began to weep without restraint, throwing their arms around him. ...’ Enough said,” Msgr. Bircumshaw said. 

“Archbishop Wester has been a very good friend of mine for many years, since his days in San Francisco,” where he was born and entered the priesthood, said Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, vicar general emeritus. “He is a kind, compassionate and most generous human being; he has all those qualities one would hope would be in a bishop. Although I am extremely sad he is leaving us, I am thrilled that he will be the archbishop of an archdiocese that is more than 400 years old with a tremendous legacy.”

In the 18 months since becoming pastor of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, Father Martin Diaz has come to know Archbishop Wester more personally, he said. “I am able to see up close the living out of his motto, Abide in Christ. He sees Christ in each person. His heart is open to every person he meets. Also, I have been able to sit at the table [with him] in the morning, enjoying our oatmeal breakfast, reading the newspaper. He is a friend who will be greatly missed.”

Archbishop Wester has been a great support for Father Joseph Frez, pastor of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, whose family is in the Philippines, the priest said. “He is very close to his priests. He also was close to the Filipino community, attending our annual activities. Knowing Spanish and with his compassion for immigration, he will be good for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.”

Archbishop Wester, who celebrated the annual Filipino Mass and community dinner and attended the Simbang Gabi Masses, will be greatly missed, “but I am glad his goodness will be able to reach and help more people,” said Remy Tolentino-Machon, Filipino community coordinator, who also was part of the bishop’s advisory council for a few years. She added that she appreciated his hands-on leadership, compassion and kindness, especially to the Filipino Catholic community.

The Vietnamese community is very appreciative of Archbishop Wester’s support and care for their immigrants, said Fr. Dominic Thuy Dang Ha, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. “He visited Vietnam as chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration and Refugee Services; he knows our needs. In Utah, we looked forward to him celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation and him coming to our Vietnamese New Year celebration. 

“When I heard about his retirement, I couldn’t sleep the full night and prayed for him,” added Fr. Thuy, who also served as the archbishop’s barber.

“He was one of the best shepherds we have ever had,” said Deacon Otto Johansson. “The Tongan community appreciated and loved him; he is a very passionate man.”

Deacon Dennis Davies of Christ the King Parish in Cedar City, who grew up in Santa Fe, said the archdiocese has a rich Catholic heritage. “My sister, Mary Helen Borland, lives there and is excited for his arrival; I told her he is such a pastoral champion and very supportive of our mission work and of the diaconate.”

“He was such a positive influence and improved vocations,” said Benedictine Sister Marilyn Mark, Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish pastoral associate and campus minister at Saint Jerome Newman Center in Logan. “He also was very aware of the Hispanic population in Logan and their needs; he works well with all communities.” 

“He has been a marvelous asset to our diocese and he has been a very good friend to the sisters,” said Daughter of Charity Sister Germaine Sarrazin.

The Very Rev. Ray Waldon, dean and rector of the Cathedral Church of St. Mark, said Archbishop Wester has “forged wonderful relationships” with Utah’s various faith groups. 

“I think too often we look at our differences, but he looks at what we have in common,” Rev. Waldon said. 

Michael Imperiale, senior pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, said he and the archbishop are good friends. “He’s articulate, intelligent and beautifully caring and compassionate. Even though he was terribly busy, he never seemed like he was in a hurry, when he was with you, he was really with you.”

Likewise, “We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with [Archbishop Wester], and many Church leaders consider him a trusted confidante and dear friend,” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a written statement. “He has been a strong advocate in Utah on many critical issues that impact our communities and families. He has been a powerful role model and partner in helping the poor and lifting those in need.”

“Archbishop Wester’s departure is a real loss for our state,” was the sentiment expressed in the written statement from Gov. Gary Herbert’s office. Archbishop Wester has been “a tireless champion for those in need and a wise voice on a broad spectrum of policy issues. The people of Utah – Catholics and non-Catholics alike – have been blessed by his selfless service.” 

Dr. Natalie Rodden, a member of the diocese’s youth and young adult ministry who started the White Mass for those in the medical field at the archbishop’s encouragement, said she is overwhelmingly grateful to him. “It has been such a blessing to have this holy man as our bishop and to know him as a friend. I moved to Utah from across the country and from the first time I met him, he welcomed me with such kindness. During my medical residency, he has been so supportive and encouraging.  He has challenged me to become the best physician I could be and motivated me to get involved in the diocese in ministries I find truly meaningful. He has been a truly loving shepherd to the Diocese of Salt Lake and I speak for countless people when I say we will miss him dearly.”

Jim and Sharon Rawlins from Saint George Parish in St. George said Archbishop Wester has “done the utmost for our Church and for our parish; he has always been able to come down and has always been available to us,” said Jim Rawlins.

“It says a lot about Utah that our last two bishops have been made archbishops,” Sharon Rawlins added.

Archbishop Wester’s predecessor, Archbishop George H. Niederauer, was installed as Archbishop of San Francisco in 2006; he retired in 2012.