Lucker reflects on retirement

Fellow clergy,

leaders praise

Lucker's efforts

By CHRIS VETTER

Journal Staff Writer

BIRD ISLAND -- Bishop Raymond Lucker will not be forgotten, even though he is now retired.

That message resounded repeatedly Sunday, as 600 people attended Mass in the Church of St. Mary in Bird Island to honor Lucker and commemorate his retirement. The crowd swelled to about 1,000 for a dinner celebration later in the evening.

"We will get a new bishop, but in many of our hearts, you will be our shepherd," said the Rev. Frank Garvey, who gave an emotional farewell speech.

Many speakers remembered Lucker for his efforts to help the poor, his work alongside Native Americans and Hispanics, and his fight on social issues, like weapon disarmament or farm relief. He also pushed to expand the role of women in the church.

Sen. Paul Wellstone spoke at the dinner, saying Lucker has fought for minorities and the forgotten.

"I say, as a Jew, this man is my hero," Wellstone said. "I know that God is here because Bishop Lucker was here."

Wellstone added: "My faith, Judaism, teaches that to love God is to love justice. And this bishop is all about loving God and loving justice."

Lucker was the second bishop in the history of the Catholic Diocese of New Ulm, which has about 80 parishes. Sunday's celebration was held in Bird Island because it is the geographic center of the diocese.

"The diocese is made of all these great small towns," Lucker said. "It was always such a joy to visit these churches, and being a part of dedications, communions and confirmations."

Lucker, who will turn 74 on Saturday, announced his retirement Nov. 16, saying he had concerns about his health. Lucker underwent cancer treatment last year, and says that he is again battling the disease.

"I get energy from being with the crowds," Lucker said, as he looked over the gathering, his eyes swelled. "But with the cancer, my energy is low."

Lucker is currently taking weekly treatments at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to fight his bout with melanoma that has spread to his bones. Lucker has been getting CT scans every eight weeks to check if the cancer is spreading.

"It's unusual that it goes to the bones first," Lucker said. "Usually, it goes to the liver and the lungs."

Melanoma is a cancer caused by problems with pigmentation of the skin. Lucker had a cancerous tumor removed from behind his ear 16 years ago. He had another bout with the cancer last year before he announced his retirement. Now, the cancer has returned.

"The long term is not good," Lucker admits. "But right now, I'm living with it. I'm taking the treatments and hoping it gives me strength."

Despite the outpour of love and support from the crowd, Lucker remained humble, almost embarrassed. Retiring proved to be a difficult decision.

"I'm ready. I've felt I've done the best I could do. It's time to move on," Lucker said modestly. "I don't have any regrets. I've had wonderful support from the congregations."

The church service was bilingual, a sign that the church is reaching out and welcoming Hispanics to the fold.

For the liturgy of the eucharist, 35 ordained priests joined Lucker at the altar, as he broke holy bread for consecration before communion.

The Rev. Jerry Paulson of Arlington said it was a memorable Mass.

"It was a powerful, moving, appropriate tribute by the people of New Ulm, honoring their leader for 25 years of service," Paulson said.

Lucker was ordained as a priest in 1952 and was named bishop of New Ulm in 1976. The Vatican has yet to name a replacement.

Vernel Wabasha, whose husband is the hereditary chief of the Lower Sioux, heaped praise on Lucker and his efforts to help Native Americans.

"I think Bishop Lucker has been an inspiration to us in the Lower Sioux," Wabasha said. "He showed us and helped us to raise funds, when no one else would. He helped us begin our economic development."

Lucker went to the podium after Wabasha spoke. His voice trembled and his eyes welled with tears as he accepted a gift of moccasins.

"They've helped give me the meaning of deep spirituality," Lucker said.

The Rev. Germain Rademacher of Redwood Falls echoed Wabasha's sentiments.

"Bishop Lucker is a born and accomplished leader," Rademacher said. "He is an excellent example of how to live a simple life and reach out to the poor."

In his final act as bishop, Lucker abolished the diocese's existing coat of arms. In the drawing, a snake represents Native Americans, and Lucker said that symbolism must be eliminated.

"We're erasing that and beginning again as a token of our friendship to the Native Americans of this state," Lucker said.

Paula Marti, director of communications for the diocese, said the staff worked hard to invite the many people who have served alongside Lucker.

"This is a bittersweet day," Marti said.