Episode 45: With Eyes Fixed on Jesus: Archbishop Vigneron’s 75th birthday and episcopacy

Eyes on Jesus with Archbishop Vigneron

As he prepares to submit his resignation to Pope Francis on his upcoming 75th birthday, as required by canon law, Archbishop Vigneron joins co-hosts Mike Chamberland and Mary Wilkerson to reflect with gratitude on the great privilege of ministering in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

0:26 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month.

0:45 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron to tell listeners about Bishop Jeffrey Monforton, who Pope Francis recently named to serve the Archdiocese of Detroit as an auxiliary bishop, and what gifts he’ll bring to our local Church.

2:21 – Mike mentions that October is Respect Life Month and asks if there’s anything Archbishop Vigneron hopes the diocese will do to mark the occasion.

5:22 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic: Archbishop Vigneron’s 75th birthday and episcopacy in the Archdiocese of Detroit. As Church law requires him—and all bishops—to submit his resignation to the Holy Father when he turns 75, this is an opportune time to reflect on his 14 years as chief shepherd in southeast Michigan.

6:16 – Archbishop Vigneron shares how he considers his ministry to be different than it was for his predecessors, and how he’s tried to ensure the fruits of Synod 16 become the touchstone for his ministry.

9:55 – Mike asks the Archbishop to share some of the most enjoyable moments of his time as Archbishop of Detroit.

13:43 – Mary asks the Archbishop about the importance of his bond with his brother priests, some of whom he’s known since he was a young boy.

18:08 – Mike asks the Archbishop what message he would like to share with the laity who served alongside him as coworkers in mission.

21:03 – Mary asks the Archbishop to reflect on how the Archdiocese of Detroit has embraced the Holy Spirit’s call to unleash the Gospel.

23:11 – Mike asks the Archbishop about some of the more challenging experiences of his time as Archbishop of Detroit.

25:46 – Archbishop Vigneron shares how he’ll celebrate his birthday.

26:07 – Mike asks the Archbishop how he stays focused on mission while not knowing when his resignation could be accepted by the Holy Father.

32:03 – Mike asks the Archbishop about his episcopal motto, With Eyes Fixed on Jesus, and how it has served as a guide during his ministry.

35:11 – The Archbishop answers listener questions, including why God made us, what profession he might have pursued if not called to the priesthood, and if he has any family members serving in the Church.

37:44 – Archbishop Vigneron closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.