Bishops with ties to Detroit, Tucson offer prayers, congratulations to new archbishop, praise Archbishop Vigneron's ministry
DETROIT — As news of Detroit's new archbishop spread throughout Michigan and the nation, bishops with ties to the Great Lakes State and elsewhere offered words of congratulations and prayers for Archbishop-designate Edward J. Weisenburger, as well as words of gratitude for the ministry of retiring Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron.
On Feb. 11, Pope Francis appointed Archbishop-designate Weisenburger, the current bishop of Tucson, Arizona, to succeed Archbishop Vigneron as the sixth archbishop of Detroit. Archbishop-designate Weisenburger will be installed at 2 p.m. March 18 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. A Mass of thanksgiving for Archbishop Vigneron will take place at 11 a.m. March 9 at the cathedral.
During his first visit to Detroit, Archbishop-designate Weisenburger greeted several Catholic leaders, including retired Cardinal Adam J. Maida, 94, who served as Detroit's fourth archbishop from 1990 to 2009.
Archbishop-designate Weisenburger said he was "beyond blessed" to meet Cardinal Maida, who will turn 95 on the day of the installation. Cardinal Maida was one of many bishops offering congratulations and prayers for the incoming Detroit archbishop.
"Blessings and welcome to the Archdiocese of Detroit," Cardinal Maida said. "We are grateful for your appointment and presence among us in Michigan and will be enriched by your pastoral gifts and experience."
Many other bishops with ties to the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Diocese of Tucson also offered a warm welcome:
“On behalf of all the people of God in the Archdiocese of Detroit, and in my own name, I extend to Archbishop-designate Weisenburger a heartfelt welcome to his new home. I offer the assurance of our prayerful support as he comes here to take up the mission being given to him by our Holy Father Pope Francis.
“I count myself blessed by God, far beyond what I deserve, to have served for these past sixteen years as the principal pastor of the archdiocese,” Archbishop Vigneron said, reflecting on his ministry. “It has been the joy of my life to lead this local Church in responding to the Lord’s commission to share his Good News of salvation.”
Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop Emeritus of Detroit
"Blessings and welcome to the Archdiocese of Detroit! We are grateful for your appointment and presence among us in Michigan and will be enriched by your pastoral gifts and experience."
Cardinal Adam J. Maida
Archbishop Emeritus of Detroit
"The Diocese of Lansing warmly welcomes Bishop Edward Weisenburger of the Diocese of Tucson as the new Archbishop of Detroit and Metropolitan of the State of Michigan. Many and heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Vigneron for his 16 years of service to all of us in Michigan. May God bless both of these bishops as they begin a new stage of service to the Lord and His Church."
Bishop Earl A. Boyea
Diocese of Lansing
"This morning brings news of great joy to our Province that our Holy Father has appointed Most Reverend Edward Weisenburger, bishop of Tucson, as the new archbishop of Detroit! Bishop Weisenburger is a man of great Eucharistic faith. He has spoken passionately in defense of our migrant brothers and sisters and care for creation. His heart for these priorities will be a great blessing as he begins his episcopal ministry in the Archdiocese.
We thank Archbishop Vigneron for his 16 years of faithful ministry to the people of Detroit and the Province of Detroit. He was one of the first to warmly welcome me when I was appointed Bishop of Grand Rapids, and he ordained me as bishop. His emphasis on evangelization has reinvigorated the Church in Detroit and I am grateful for his leadership on this priority for the Universal Church.
On behalf of the clergy, religious, and people of God of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, I wish to extend my congratulations and welcome Bishop Weisenburger as he begins his ministry to the people of the Archdiocese, and wish Archbishop Vigneron every blessing in his retirement."
Bishop David J. Walkowiak
Diocese of Grand Rapids
"On behalf of the clergy, religious, and faithful of the Diocese of Saginaw, I extend my prayerful congratulations and a warm welcome to Archbishop-elect Edward J. Weisenburger on his appointment as the Archbishop of Detroit. His deep love for the Eucharist and commitment to serving those in need will be a great blessing to the Archdiocese.
I also wish to express my gratitude to Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron for his 16 years of faithful service to the people of Detroit and our province. His leadership and dedication to evangelization have left a lasting impact on the Church in Michigan.
As Archbishop-elect Weisenburger prepares for his installation, I invite the faithful of the Diocese of Saginaw to join me in praying for him, that the Lord may guide and strengthen him in his new ministry."
Bishop Robert D. Gruss
Diocese of Saginaw
"I've sat next to Archbishop Weisenburger a number of times at meetings. I know his personality and his sense of humor. When it comes to sharing the Gospel, he definitely is not an introvert. People will see his joy and say, ‘I want that.' That’s how you attract people. He shares his mind with people, but he does it joyfully, and I think he comes with a very strong repertoire when it comes to academics as well as pastoral work and work in parishes, his work with migrants and the Hispanic community. Knowing his background, he’ll be an injection of good news and joy in our archdiocese.
Archbishop Vigneron would not just be on the front lines, but he let us do our job. He was not a micromanager and is a very prayerful man. His motto is 'Eyes Fixed on Jesus,' but an alternate motto for him could be 'All for Jesus,' or in Spanish, 'Todo Para Jesus.' That would be him: all for Jesus, and he basically used all of his energy to get to this point. He was not afraid. He didn't hold back."
Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton
Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit
"The Archdiocese of Detroit will quickly come to see their new archbishop will be a brother to his priests, a collaborator with his staff and co-workers and who will give his all in service of the Archdiocese.
"He loves being a priest and now a bishop. He tries whenever possible to encourage others to consider becoming a priest. The number of seminarians studying to serve in our diocese has grown significantly.
"He traveled throughout our geographically expansive diocese, usually driving himself, in order to be with parishioners for confirmations or anniversaries or special occasions. He has been a presence throughout the diocese mingling with people and learning about them, their joys and struggles. He is a great communicator and kept all in the diocese aware of what was happening in the diocese and the larger Church, as well as asking prayers for those sick or who have died."
Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas
Bishop Emeritus of Tucson, Arizona
"Archbishop-designate Weisenburger has a real concern for the immigrant, for the people who are vulnerable, and people who are on the margins, because he's seen that firsthand in his diocese. He's very conscious of them, and he leans heavily into Catholic social teaching and into the Gospel, especially Matthew 25.
"Something very close to Archbishop-designate Weisenburger's heart is that people work together to break down the walls of division. He's very much a reconciler. When issues would come up in the province or in the Church in the United States, he would always attend to those issues with a sense of how we can work together, how we can help people and how we can come together in communion."
Archbishop John C. Wester
Archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico
"I join many of my priest and lay friends in a sincere thanks for Archbishop Vigneron’s ministry over the past 16 years. His diligence in consulting and his steady financial discipline saved us from bankruptcy — and will help Archbishop Weisenburger move forward with confidence.
I am pleased with the ease and confidence in Spanish the new Archbishop has from his ministry in Tucson gives him in working with Detroit’s growing Hispanic community. I welcome him to a local Church with a history of meeting challenges!"
Bishop Donald F. Hanchon
Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Detroit
"I offer my congratulations and prayerful best wishes to Archbishop-elect Edward Weisenburger on his appointment as Archbishop of Detroit. His considerable experience and many gifts will serve the people of the Archdiocese well into the future.
At the same time our hearts are filled with gratitude for the many years of faithful service that Archbishop Allen Vigneron has guided the Church of Detroit.”
Bishop Walter A. Hurley
Bishop Emeritus of Grand Rapids
Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Detroit
"I am very pleased to hear about the appointment of Archbishop-elect Weisenburger to the Archdiocese of Detroit. The Diocese of London has had a long and warm relationship with our neighbouring Archdiocese, which has recently included celebrating the beatification of Blessed Solanus Casey and accompanying and learning from one another as we both moved into the Family of Parishes structure. As well, I was recently able to visit the Archdiocese in-person to celebrate Mass at Detroit Catholic Central High School in Novi, which is run by my fellow Basilians.
I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Archbishop-elect Weisenburger, and I assure him of my prayers for his episcopal ministry. I want to express my congratulations and thanks to Archbishop Emeritus Vigneron for his leadership and service to the faithful of Detroit. May he enjoy many happy and fruitful years in retirement."
Bishop Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB
Diocese of London (Ontario)
"Archbishop Vigneron’s legacy in the Archdiocese of Detroit will be long and fruitful. He returned to the archdiocese during a time of significant economic distress, and led the church to a renewal in our role as joyful missionary disciples.
This culminated in an incredible synod in 2016. It is a particular sign of God‘s favor that he was the Archbishop as we celebrated the beatification of Father Solanus Casey with a packed Ford Field.
Beyond this litany of accomplishment, I will value most his deep compassion, wisdom, and fidelity to the mission of Jesus. He was and is a humble servant of Jesus Christ in every sense of the word.
Archbishop Weisenburger will be coming into an archdiocese that is vibrant and focused on mission. Archbishop Weisenburger exudes kindness and joy in his demeanor. I’m so impressed by sense of humor and his palpable love for his new flock in Detroit. He is already receiving a warm welcome from the priests and faithful as he prepares to lead Catholics in southeast Michigan."
Bishop Robert J. McClory
Diocese of Gary, Ind.
Former Moderator of the Curia (Archdiocese of Detroit)
"We have been truly blessed for the last sixteen years by the leadership of Archbishop Vigneron, not to mention his many years of ministry beforehand. Now he can enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
At the same time, I am grateful to the Holy Father for sending us our new shepherd, Archbishop Weisenburger, and for his generous ‘yes’ to come to Detroit. I look forward to working with him as we continue to ‘Unleash the Gospel’ in the Archdiocese of Detroit."
Bishop Robert J. Fisher
Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit
"On behalf of Bishop Emeritus James Garland, the clergy, religious, and the lay faithful of the Diocese of Marquette, I wish to give a warm Yooper welcome and a pledge of our prayers to Archbishop-elect Weisenburger upon your appointment as the Archbishop of Detroit. By the grace of God, may your ministry bear much fruit. I also wish to extend heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Vigneron for your remarkable leadership and example as a shepherd after the Lord’s heart."
Bishop John F. Doerfler
Diocese of Marquette
"The Chaldean Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle, along with Bishop Francis Kalabat and Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim, are extremely grateful for Archbishop Vigneron and his many years of dedicated and faithful service to the Lord in His Vineyard. For the past 16 years leading the Archdiocese of Detroit, Archbishop Vigneron has been a great friend and support to the Chaldean Church in Detroit, walking alongside us in faith and unity. His leadership, wisdom, and selfless heart has left an enduring mark on the Chaldean community. Archbishop Vigneron, please be assured of our prayers as you enter into retirement, asking the Lord to bless you abundantly for your years of tireless and faithful work.
We also extend a heartfelt welcome to His Excellency, Archbishop-elect Edward Weisenburger whom we eagerly look forward to working alongside with in the mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Archbishop-elect, welcome to Detroit! Please know of our prayers as you embark on this new chapter in the rich history of the Church in Detroit. May the Lord continue to bless and guide you in your ministry."
Bishop Francis Y. Kalabat
Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle
Bishop Ibrahim M. Ibrahim
Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle (retired)
"I extend a heartfelt and warm welcome to Archbishop Edward Weisenburger, along with a sincere pledge of support for his important leadership roles, not only as Archbishop, but also as Chair of the Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors and Region 6 Provincial. As a fellow 'transfer' into the great state of Michigan, I am confident Archbishop Weisenburger will find the people, places and history of our state to be inspirational and a source of new vigor for pastoral ministry. When he needs a break from the big city, the welcome mat will always be out 'Up North.'
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to Archbishop Allen Vigneron. From my first contact with him to arrange my episcopal ordination in March 2022, and in every subsequent contact via meetings, discussions, emails, texts or informal gatherings, he has been a true shepherd, competent leader and role model. May God richly bless Archbishop Vigneron’s retirement as richly as he blessed the nearly 50 years of his exercise of Holy Orders."
Bishop Jeffrey J. Walsh
Diocese of Gaylord
"On Tuesday it was announced that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron, Archbishop of Detroit. He has appointed Most Reverend Edward J. Weisenburger, Bishop of Tucson, as the new Archbishop of Detroit.
"Together with all the priests, deacons, consecrated religious, seminarians and lay faithful of the Diocese of Toledo, I offer our prayerful appreciation and heartfelt good wishes to Archbishop Allen Vigneron for his years of dedicated apostolic ministry. It has been a pleasure to work closely with him on Region IV activities and I marvel at the pastoral legacy he leaves behind. We wish him every joy, good health, and spiritual contentment as he enters into this new phase of life.
"At the same time, I offer our sincere congratulations and a warm welcome to now Archbishop Edward Weisenburger on his nomination as the new Archbishop of Detroit. Welcome to the region! I look forward to working with him and supporting him as he guides the flock of the Archdiocese of Detroit.
"May the Lord bless both of these shepherds and successors of the Apostles now and far into the future. Ad Multos Annos!"
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas
Diocese of Toledo
