TRIBUTE TO ARCHBISHOP JOHN C. WESTER

On 2026-06-11, Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO ARCHBISHOP JOHN C. WESTER" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO ARCHBISHOP JOHN C. WESTER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 99 (Thursday, June 11, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 99 (Thursday, June 11, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2755] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ TRIBUTE TO ARCHBISHOP JOHN C. WESTER Mr. LUJAN. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate and extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Most Reverend Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, NM, to celebrate his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood, along with his upcoming retirement. Archbishop Wester has provided 50 years of dedicated service to the Catholic Church, which has been a blessing to countless parishioners, families, and communities across New Mexico and beyond. Archbishop Wester was ordained as a priest on May 15, 1976. From Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of San Francisco in 1998, to Bishop of Salt Lake City in 2007, to then being installed as the 12th Archbishop of Santa Fe in 2015 at our beautiful and historic Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Archbishop Wester's legacy is one of hope, kindness, and equity. Since his installation in 2015, he has been a beacon of support for vulnerable children and families. He has stood up for the poor and marginalized communities, supported humane immigration policies, and promoted peace. Archbishop Wester has reminded us about the importance of pursuing the ``common good'' in our communities. As a devout Catholic myself, seeing Archbishop Wester's excellency has truly been a blessing. His leadership and presence at St. Francis of Assisi will be truly missed. Through our shared commitment to serving others and strengthening communities alongside so many local initiatives, I have come to greatly appreciate his compassion, humility, and dedication. I am grateful for voices like Archbishop Wester's, and I applaud his devotion not only to the Catholic Church, but also to the people of New Mexico. As we celebrate this important milestone, I proudly stand before my distinguished colleagues to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Most Reverend Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe and extend my heartfelt congratulations to this remarkable milestone. ____________________