Prayers promised as Minnesota auxiliary bishop prepares for cancer treatment
Auxiliary Bishop Kevin T. Kenney of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis announced a lung cancer diagnosis on July 15, 2026, via a video with Archbishop Hebda and Bishop Izen. The Basilica of St. Mary has set up a poster‑card for prayers, which parishioners have signed during Masses through Aug. 9, reflecting widespread support. Thousands of Catholics on social media have offered prayers and encouragement, and the archdiocese’s website notes the community’s collective prayer for his recovery. Bishop Kenney, a 66‑year‑old Minneapolis native, had recently led a pilgrimage to Norway before beginning treatment, and he remains hopeful and positive about the forthcoming care.
2 months ago
The Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis has opened a poster‑card for the faithful to sign as Auxiliary Bishop Kevin T. Kenney prepares to begin treatment for lung cancer, a diagnosis he announced in a video on July 15, 2026 alongside Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda and Bishop Michael J. Izen. 1
Thousands of parishioners have responded on social media, offering prayers and support, and the card will remain available after weekend Masses through August 9. 1
Bishop Kenney, 66, a Minneapolis native ordained a bishop in October 2024, explained that a persistent cough led to the discovery of his lung cancer; he expressed shock at the news, noting he is a non‑smoker and had felt healthy. 1
In the announcement, Bishop Kenney asked for prayers for himself, the archbishop, Bishop Izen, his medical team, and all who are ill, emphasizing his hope and trust in God’s will. 1
Bishop Izen specifically invoked the intercession of St. Charbel Makhlouf, encouraging the faithful to add the saint’s aid to their daily prayers for Bishop Kenney and all the sick in the archdiocese. 1
Reflecting in a July 23 column for The Catholic Spirit, Bishop Kenney described cancer as “a hard word to hear,” acknowledging the complexity of his medical situation while affirming that God does not give a burden one cannot bear. 1
The archdiocese continues to rally prayerful support, highlighting the community’s solidarity with Bishop Kenney, his caregivers, and anyone facing illness. 1*
How does the Catholic Church support clergy facing serious illness?
The Catholic Church supports clergy facing serious illness through a combination of spiritual closeness, fraternal support within the presbyterate, practical/material assistance, and ensuring their continuing place and mission in the Church, even when they can no longer carry out full duties.
The Church’s approach is not only “care for the sick” in general, but also care for priests as priests—especially by ensuring they are not isolated when illness is grave or prolonged.
Along with spiritual support, the Church insists that sick clergy must receive real, practical help:
A key element of Catholic support is affirming that even if a priest is no longer able to do the usual schedule of ministry, he can still serve the Church.
The Church’s theology of care for the sick centers on bringing the sick person—especially at serious or terminal moments—into the nearness of Christ through sacramental and pastoral ministry.
The Church also promotes concrete practices of visiting and accompanying the sick, including those who are clergy or who belong to the parish community:
Finally, the Church consistently treats the care of the sick not as optional charity but as a priority pastoral task, because sickness raises profound questions about life’s meaning:
In sum: Catholic teaching and practice call for a structured response to clergy illness—the bishop’s compassionate closeness, fraternal support in the presbyterium, adequate material assistance, affirmation of their continuing priestly mission through prayer and counsel, and proper sacramental/pastoral care rooted in the Church’s understanding of the sacraments of healing.