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February 1, 2022
Dear Friends in Christ,
I write to you today to share important news regarding the future leadership of Our Lady of Lourdes. I do so with mixed emotions, given my love for Lourdes and the people of God who make up this fine parish.
On January 21, 2022, Archbishop Bernard Hebda appointed me pastor and rector of the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, effective July 1, 2022. On that same day, Fr. John Bauer, the current pastor and rector of the Basilica, was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, also effective July 1, 2022.
I am humbled and honored by the appointment to the Basilica community and grateful for Archbishop Hebda’s confidence in me, but I am also saddened that my time at Lourdes will be drawing to a close. I could not be more delighted for Lourdes that Fr. Bauer has been chosen to be your next pastor. Fr. Bauer is a talented and faith-filled priest, a good shepherd after the heart of our Lord Jesus. Fr. Bauer is widely respected throughout the archdiocese and has done a terrific job shepherding the Basilica community for the past 15 years. Prior to the Basilica, Fr. Bauer did a masterful job merging three parishes in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul. In all of his priestly assignments, Fr. Bauer has led God’s people with compassion, faith, good humor, and distinction.
As I reflect on my ten years at Our Lady of Lourdes, I am filled with gratitude at what God’s grace, Our Lady’s intercession, and your faith and generosity have accomplished here. I began serving Lourdes in January of 2012 as my predecessor of happy memory, Fr. Froehle, was struggling with unhealth. I officially began my pastorate of Lourdes, July 1 of 2012. As I have said on more than a few occasions, that first year was challenging as I and other parish leaders undertook changes necessary for the good and future of the parish. As she did at Cana, Mary interceded on behalf of our community and beginning August 15, 2013, good things began happening at Lourdes. Today, we are a vibrant urban parish rooted in sacred worship of God, formation as disciples of Christ, and outreach to our brothers and sisters on the margins. I have no doubt that Notre Dame de Lourdes will continue to generously intercede as patron of this parish for years to come.
For both Fr. Bauer and me, these past months have been a time of prayerful discernment. Of his own initiative, Fr. Bauer who is 71, indicated to Archbishop Hebda that he believed that the Basilica would be served best by a new pastor. After Archbishop Hebda spoke to me about this possibility, he then consulted broadly, as is his style, as to the right fit at the Basilica and Lourdes and the gifts needed for each community. Notwithstanding the size difference, Lourdes and the Basilica share many characteristics and I hope we will work together in the coming years in engaging our Minneapolis community toward a better future. Please know that just as Fr. Bauer and I have been collaborating these past months on details of this transition, we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure a smooth and healthy transition for both parish communities. That said, change is never easy and while it brings new possibilities, change also requires patience, trust, and prayer.
As I close, I am confident of this, that God who has begun a good work in all of us and at Lourdes, will, through St. Mary’s intercession, bring it to completion. Please know of my love and gratitude for you and for all that you have done to make Our Lady of Lourdes a very special parish. May we continue to hold one another close in faith and prayer.
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Daniel Griffith