Tenth Bishop for Diocese of St. Cloud Ordained, Installed Tuesday

(KNSI) — The tenth Bishop for the Diocese of St. Cloud will be ordained and installed Tuesday afternoon.

At a packed vespers service for Bishop-elect Patrick Neary held Monday night at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Father William Lies, C.S.C.. who is a native of Little Falls, told worshippers a bit about their new shepherd, saying he’s an incredibly good golfer, loves to fish, and is quite humorous. He also said Neary lives humbly and simply and is “an amazing priest and faithful religious. He has said yes to every assignment asked of him, most of which have drawn him closer to the cross into life.” Father Lies added Bishop-elect Neary “will love his people, his priests, deacons and religious. Finally, and most importantly, Pat is a holy man who prays, he loves the Lord, and He loves the church. And he will love you as a shepherd loves his sheep.” Father Lies was also Neary’s Provincial Superior of the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers.

Father Lies told Neary the people of the Diocese of St. Cloud love “even in the midst of the pain and struggles of our church and our times. Many have suffered much but remain strong and hope-filled. They have grown in wisdom and grace. They will help you be their shepherd and will call you to places and graces you have yet to imagine. This is the flock you have been called to shepherd, Bishop and together with them you will build a kingdom of God in the fertile soil of this holy ground.”

Bishop-elect Neary wrote a letter to the people of the diocese explaining he will be guided “by the prophetic motto of the diocese: Heart of Mercy. Voice of Hope. Hands of Justice.” Read the full letter by clicking here.

The vespers service can be watched by clicking here.

The ordination and installation Mass is set for 1:00 p.m. Watch by clicking here.

Since July 2018, Bishop-elect Neary has served as pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Portland, Oregon.

Bishop-elect Neary is originally from La Porte, Indiana. He is the oldest of six and has five sisters. He graduated from La Porte High School and entered the undergraduate seminary with the Congregation of Holy Cross at the University of Notre Dame. While at Notre Dame, he spent a semester at Anahuac University in Mexico City, where he learned Spanish. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in history.

He professed perpetual vows with the Congregation of Holy Cross on Sept. 1, 1990, and was ordained a priest at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Notre Dame on April 1st, 1991. He served there as ROTC Chaplain for Latino students. He has also served in Chile, Rome, Kenya and Uganda.

Bishop-elect Neary succeeds Bishop Donald J. Kettler, who will serve as apostolic administrator until Bishop-elect Neary’s installation.

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