Bishop Henry brought loud and clear voice to our faith

Catholic Register, 12 January 2017

I have crossed paths with Bishop Frederick Henry for nearly 20 years on visits to my family in Calgary. He has always been kind to me, made me welcome in his diocese and I have enjoyed the occasions we have had time to talk.

That all being said, when his retirement was announced in the early days of the new year, I learned something about the bishop that I didn’t know.

“I have been on the anti-inflammatory drug Naproxen for 37 years and Humera, a new biologic self–injected drug, for about five and a half years which has brought some pain relief,” wrote Bishop Henry to Pope Francis in February 2016, detailing his lifetime of coping with an auto-immune form of arthritis.

“However, I live with severe chronic pain and stiffness of the spine affecting both posture and daily activity. My condition cannot be reversed. I have jokingly said that ‘pain is my best friend, we are always together’ but it is wearing me out and limiting my ministry. I believe that someone younger with more energy, stamina and pastoral vision should take over the role of Ordinary for the Diocese of Calgary. The needs of this ever-expanding diocese are enormous. I have given it my best and I am past my ‘best due date’ — it is time to retire.”

Newman House ManagerJanuary 12, 2017Catholic Register, Church Affairs, Canada