Bishop Wester 'a pilgrim' says Msgr Harriman

Intermountain Catholic

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Msgr. Michael Harriman, pastor of St. Cecilia's Parish in San Francisco, has been Bishop Wester's host for the past four years. IC photo by Barbara S. Lee

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.—Msgr. Michael Harriman, pastor of St. Cecilia Parish, where Bishop Wester has been in residence for the past four years, speaks of Bishop Wester as a brother priest, a close friend, and a pilgrim whose many journeys have enhanced his deep spirituality.

"John Wester’s spirituality is profound," Msgr. Harriman said in a Feb. 21 interview with the Intermountain Catholic. "He prays the divine office faithfully, and he undertakes daily meditation without fail."

Bishop Wester, he said, has always been open to the Lord’s will in his life. When he has been given new or added responsibilities, his response has been, ‘this is the call of Jesus.’"

As auxiliary bishop, vicar general, and vicar for clergy, Msgr. Harriman said, "John has been in charge of personnel. He is very sensitive to the needs of the people around him."

Serving on the archdiocese’s front lines during the clergy sex abuse crisis, "John has been sensitive to both his brother priests and to the victims.

"He is so sincere. There is no question that his decisions and his actions are grounded in his spirituality; in his service to the Lord."

Msgr. Harriman said Bishop Wester defines the Catholic Church as, "God’s own people. He reminds us that, through baptism, we are all together as one. We’re all God’s people.

"John is very honest; he puts on no airs," said Msgr. Harriman. "He is genuine, open, and authentic. He may disagree with you, but he will always listen to you with profound respect. He is concerned for everyone as God’s people."

As bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, a mission diocese that is constantly growing, Bishop Wester will find himself thrust into the responsibilities of both church building and community building.

"I have no doubt he will find the building of new churches a wonderful and exciting experience," Msgr. Harriman said. "He’s already a proven builder of community. Even when he was in residence at St. Stephen’s Parish, and here at St. Cecilia’s, he has been very sensitive to the other priests and the people. He had a wonderful community of students at Marin Catholic High School, and every student was included.

As a pilgrim, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, Bishop Wester has already taken many journeys – to Rome, to Israel, to Vietnam, to China, and more. His journeys within the archdiocese have taken him from Saint Rafael’s Parish to Marin Catholic High School, to St. Stephen’s Parish, to St. Cecilia’s.

"He’s has a broad variety of experiences, and as he moves on to Salt Lake City, he brings those experiences with him. He is never afraid to move forward."

Faith and courage will help Bishop Wester move into the next stage of his life in God, Msgr. Harriman said.

"John is leaving behind every support system he has ever known; all the different communities he’s ever known, the pastoral center, and the priests he’s known. But he is by nature a pilgrim. Wherever he goes, that’s where he is – he and God together. His primary community of faith will be the new pilgrims he meets and with whom he works in Utah."

Msgr. Harriman will treasure many of his memories of his years with Bishop Wester. One of his favorites is the surprise birthday party his own sister and Bishop Wester pulled off when Msgr. Harriman turned 50.

"I got a message that someone was spraying graffiti on the school gym, and I ran over there loaded for bear. When they all jumped out and yelled ‘Surprise,’ I literally could not change gears. It took me minutes to recover before I could shift into the party mode."

The people of Salt Lake City have much to look forward to in Bishop Wester, said Msgr. Harriman. "John has a great sense of humor; he’s a real people person. When he talks to you he looks at you eye-to-eye. You’re the most important person to him at that moment. John lives hic et nunc – in the here and now. He focuses in on the present. His parents taught him from an early age that the present moment is all you have."

Msgr. Harriman was willing to look into the future for the sake of this article. Ten years down the road, he sees Bishop Wester enjoying his ministry in Salt Lake City.

"John will also be hiking the outdoors and taking in all of the beauty God gave Utah with his eyes – and he will be happy."

Msgr. Harriman encourages the Catholics in Utah to enjoy Bishop Wester, "tease him, joke with him, give him a good time – but let him in."