University of Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., said Tuesday (Nov. 18), “On behalf of the University of Notre Dame, I extend congratulations and best wishes for success to the Most Rev. Blase J. Cupich as the ninth Archbishop of Chicago. He brings to one of the hemisphere’s most important dioceses a caring pastoral approach with rigorous theological thought and visionary leadership in line with Francis’ transformative papacy."
Father Jenkins, joined by Notre Dame Vice President for Mission Engagement and Affairs Rev. William Lies, C.S.C., and other members of the University’s founding order, the Congregation of Holy Cross, is scheduled to attend the new archbishop’s installation Tuesday afternoon at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago.
As an 18-year-old hitchhiking through Europe, Father Jenkins first met Archbishop Cupich in Rome, where he was then a seminarian studying for the priesthood. The two are both natives of Omaha, Nebraska. While in Rome, the future archbishop introduced the teenage Jenkins to his first cup of cappuccino.
Contact: Paul J. Browne, Vice President, Public Affairs & Communications, 574-440-4307, pbrowne@nd.edu