Date of Birth:
Wednesday, September 6, 1933
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Age:
91 years old

Bishop Bernard J. Harrington

In Loving Memory of Bishop Bernard J. Harrington September 6, 1933 – August 30, 2025

Bishop Bernard J. Harrington, a devoted shepherd of the Church, a cherished uncle and friend, and a man who truly loved life, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, surrounded by family and in the prayers of many whose lives he touched over his 66 years of priestly service.

The youngest of four children born to Irish immigrants John and Norah Harrington of County Cork, Bishop Harrington grew up in a faith-filled home that fostered both his vocation and his zest for life. He attended St. Cecilia Grade School, Sacred Heart Seminary High School and College, and St. John’s Provincial Seminary. His commitment to education continued with advanced studies at the University of Notre Dame, The Catholic University of America, The Ohio State University, and the North American College in Rome, Italy.

Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on June 6, 1959, Fr. Harrington served in a wide range of pastoral and educational roles, including Pastor of Holy Name Parish in Birmingham and St. Rene Goupil in Sterling Heights, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, and Rector of Sacred Heart Major Seminary. In 1993, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit, and in 1999, he became the Bishop of the Diocese of Winona (now Winona-Rochester), Minnesota.

As bishop, he brought both pastoral vision and joyful energy to the diocese. He initiated the Seeds of Faith endowment, supported the formation of permanent deacons, expanded Catholic Charities services, and championed Catholic education and safe environment programs. He especially cherished the presence of a seminary in the diocese and took special pride in the annual Harvest Mass—a celebration that reflected both his love of the land and his love for the people.

Bishop Harrington lived his vocation with great seriousness, but also enjoyed many other interests. A lover of classical music, red wine, and a well-made Manhattan, he was just as comfortable at a formal dinner as he was at a backyard barbecue. His love for Italian cuisine was legendary, and he rarely turned down a good plate of pasta shared with even better company.

He was, quite simply, the life of the party—witty, and always ready with a story. Whether on the golf course, ski slopes, or cheering for the Detroit Lions (with a brief and forgiven flirtation with the Eagles and Vikings), or at dinner parties with parishioners and friends, he brought people together through joy and laughter. His many travels with his dearest priest friends, affectionately called the “Four Fathers,” took him across the globe, from Ireland to India, and left a trail of memories marked by faith, friendship, and a fair share of mischief.

Proud of his Irish heritage, Bishop Harrington served as Grand Marshal of Detroit’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Corktown—a role that reflected not only his deep community ties but also his lifelong devotion to Irish culture. For him, the celebration of Irish identity extended far beyond a single day. It was a year-round joy, seen in his cheerful Gaelic greetings to friends and the frequent singing of traditional Irish songs whenever the moment called for it. His pride in his roots brought people together, lifting spirits and honoring the legacy of those who came before.

He also inherited a lifelong love of gardening from his parents, and he cultivated beautiful gardens wherever he lived. From lush backyard plantings to the vibrant balcony and patio arrangements in his Apopka, Florida and Rochester, Minnesota residences and later at Cedarbrook in Northville, he found peace and joy in tending to flowers and greenery. His gardens were an extension of his spirit—nurturing, colorful, and full of life.

In retirement, Bishop Harrington found a second home in Apopka, Florida, where he enjoyed many good times with dear friends in the Errol Estates community. In 2023, he returned to Michigan, where—supported by his nieces and nephews and dedicated caregivers—he maintained his active lifestyle. He enjoyed day trips to local Detroit-area landmarks, dined regularly at favorite restaurants, and delighted in family gatherings. At Cedarbrook Senior Living in Northville, he received exceptional care, once again forming meaningful friendships and bringing joy, laughter, and spirited conversation to everyone he met.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his brothers Jack (Marge) and Tim (Kathleen), and his dear sister Irene. He is survived by a large and loving extended family: his nieces and nephews Kathy (Joe) Lehrter, Colleen (Kevin) Fitzpatrick, Maureen (Gordie) Sherry, Kathleen (Kevin) Carney, Tim (Lori) Harrington, Mary Pat (Mike) O’Malley, Patrick Harrington, Peggy (Gabriel) Shivers, Michael (Maria) Harrington, and Shelagh (Craig) Gleeson; many grand nieces and nephews; and his treasured priest brothers, Fr. Leo Phalen and Fr. Richard Cassidy.

Bishop Harrington lived a life of deep purpose, joyful presence, and boundless faith. His impact on the Church and on those who knew and loved him will be felt for generations.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Memorial contributions be made to:

Seeds of Faith Endowment

c/o Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota

750 Terrace Heights

Winona, MN 55987

The funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with a Vespers from the Office of the Dead beginning at 7:00 p.m. The burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery of Winona Minnesota.

Guests are welcome to park at the Mayo West Ramp (515 W Center St.; enter from 5^th Ave. NW) both Friday and Saturday. Those entering and exiting before 7pm on Friday will need to take a ticket and have it validated at no cost, by attendants stationed at the street and subway levels; or when leaving use the call button and mention you were there for the funeral.

A livestream of the service will be available at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cocathedralofstjohns or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cocathedralofstjohn