Former Edmonton Archbishop Joseph MacNeil has passed away.
A native of Nova Scotia, MacNeil was appointed Archbishop of Edmonton’s Catholic Church in 1973.
He was instrumental in arranging Pope John Paul II to visit Edmonton in 1984.
MacNeil retired in 1999 but continued to serve in many ways, including visiting students at the school named after him in southwest Edmonton.
“He has served the Church in Canada, beginning in the Maritimes to the West in Alberta with unbound generosity, compassion, wisdom and of course, a sharp sense of humour,” Archbishop Richard Smith said. “With profound gratitude for his fruitful ministry, let us pray for the repose of his soul, and the comfort and consolation of his family and numerous friends.”
MacNeil suffered a stroke Saturday and passed away in hospital Sunday morning.
He was 93 years old.