Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska
Search
Statement from Bishop Chad W. Zielinski regarding the appointment of Bishop-elect Steve Maekawa to t
-
July 11, 2023On behalf of the faithful of the Diocese of New Ulm, I extend my sincere congratulations to Bishop-elect Steve Maekawa on his appointment as the Bishop of Fairbanks, Alaska. Bishop-elect Maekawa is an excellent choice by Pope Francis to serve the largest diocese in the United States, which I served before being appointed Bishop of New Ulm.
I first came to know Fr. Maekawa in 2005 while working in the Air Force Chaplain Recruiting Office. In 2014, when I was appointed Bishop of Fairbanks, Fr. Maekawa was serving as the local superior of the Dominican community in Anchorage. I was very impressed with his missionary zeal, love of Alaska, and desire to reach the Native communities.
This is a great day of rejoicing for the Diocese of Fairbanks. I offer my prayers and encouragement to Bishop-elect Maekawa and the faithful of Fairbanks. I urge the Alaskan faithful to extend the same kind and generous hospitality lavished upon me in abundance during my eight years as bishop there.
May Our Lady of the Arctic Snows draw all closer to her Son in a new era of peace in Northern Alaska.