From Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M.
I am pleased to share with you that at noon today in Rome, Pope Francis announced his appointment of Fr. Steven Maekawa, O.P., as the new Bishop of Fairbanks, Alaska.
Fr. Steve (now "Bishop-elect Maekawa") is well known and greatly admired by all of us who have had the privilege and pleasure to work with him as Pastor of Holy Family Old Cathedral. He is a great pastor and administrator. As a Dominican Friar, he is committed to evangelization, education, and preaching. Bishop-elect Maekawa is a gentle, kind, compassionate priest with a zeal for the salvation of souls. He is well-qualified for his new ministry as Bishop of Fairbanks.
A news conference will take place this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at the Chancery office and will be live-streamed on the diocesan Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064382484690). Bishop-elect Maekawa will celebrate the 12:10 p.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Wednesday, July 12.
Please join me in congratulating Bishop-elect Maekawa and the people of the Diocese of Fairbanks!