‘You are the kindest person I have ever met’: Father Franken feted

Friends and colleagues of Father Gary Franken mixed wit and wisdom as they offered their congratulations and prayers for his new assignment as Bishop of St. Paul, Alta. Here are a few of the testimonials offered at the event held at the celebration at the John Paul Pastoral Centre. 

Msgr. Gregory Smith, incoming Vicar General: “One of many reasons why I’m very sorry to have you leave is you have been a model and inspiration and a man of great integrity and kindness to me and to many others. I’m going to close with a quote from prophet Jeremiah, which is right behind me on my wall, in which the Lord says, “I know the plans that I have for you. Plans to prosper you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”  

We have a great joy in claiming that prophecy for you, your hope, your future in the church of Saint Paul, and as a successor of the apostles. 

Sharon Goh, Ministries and Outreach Office Coordinator:  Father Gary, we are so delighted that you’re going to represent all of us in St. Paul in some small way. Our hearts are with you at this time. We are so happy for you – sad for ourselves but happy for you. It’s no surprise that you have become appointed Bishop. We used to have a joke running around – I don’t know if you know – a group of friends created a game called When Will Father Gary Become Bishop? And, unfortunately, someone won the pool, and it has come to that day when we just have to accept that the Lord has called and you will respond accordingly. 

Clay Imoo, Associate Director, Ministries and Outreach Office: Father Gary, congratulations. I’m so happy for you. I’m so excited for you as you embark on this new journey. Thank you for your leadership, your humility, your witness. Thank you for teaching me how to prioritize, and for reminding me to keep the main thing the main thing, and that main thing for us is the one thing that has bound us together for the past 20 years, serving in ministry, working for the Church, despite all the crazy things that can happen, all the burning issues, all the fires that we got to put out at pastoral centre. This one thing is what we could lean on when times are tough, and that of course is the Vancouver Canucks. 

In all seriousness, Father Gary, one of the many things I appreciate about you is your ability to hone in on something, to focus on something, to find something that you have in common with someone, and then make that one of the bases of your relationship with them, your friendship with them. And therefore, I’ve always felt connected to you, not just through ministry but through our love for the hockey team. 

Sean Rodrigues, Director, Construction & Property Renewal: Father Gary, congratulations. I’m so thrilled for you and where you’re going in your spiritual life.

I want to share a quick thank you for helping our family navigate an awesome discussion that my daughter had with her friends at our house. it happened after you did a Mass at St. Thomas More and it was a gift. This is a gift that you have, your charism, that I wish that you will be able to share with others as you journey. St. Paul is so blessed to have you. 

Barb Dowding, Special Assistant to the Archbishop: I’ve been working closely with you these last many years along with the Archbishop and his other advisers here in the chancery and I’ve come to know and appreciate those important qualities that define you as you teach by example, very often without words or a few.  

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for you being you. You are the kindest person I have ever met in my whole life, and I’ve learned from you directly that humble trust in God’s Providence will always provide what we need. 

I want to recall the words of Saint Cyprian, a bishop, and this is my prayer for you: “Our part then is to be single minded, firm in faith, steadfast in courage, and ready for God’s will, whatever it may be.” 

Makani Marquis, Senior Director, Communications Office: When I first heard the news I was happy, I was sad because it means you’re leaving, but I also felt like I need to give you a sympathy card, because I know this job is going to be so challenging, so amazingly difficult, and at the same time I can’t imagine a better person to do the role.  

I do think you’re the right person suited for that right place, and I do really wish you well and I pray for your ministry there, for the diocese there. I think they’re extraordinarily lucky to have you. God bless your next adventure and we’re here for you in order to support you, to pray for you.   

Archbishop J. Michael Miller: It’s really an honour that the presbyterate of the Archdiocese of Vancouver is strong enough that even in a few years it can offer to the Church the gift of a Bishop. It’s a sad time for Vancouver but it’s a good time for the Church in Western Canada.  

As an outstanding pastor and certainly a zealous, kind, and effective vicar general Father Gary, you’re going to be missed; but our prayers are with you, and many of us will be at your Episcopal ordination on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Know that you are loved by Vancouver. We look forward to seeing you back here often, and many thanks for your tremendous and beautiful ministry in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. May God bless you and keep you. You’re always in our prayers. Take care Bishop elect Gary. 

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