Thank you for your prayers and support for Bishop Kenney and all who suffer from cancer
Update from Bishop Kenney: Detours lead to discoveries
From Aug. 23, 2026 bulletin for St. Olaf, Minneapolis
After our pilgrimage to Norway, I visited Mayo Clinic in Rochester for a few tests and consults. The roads around Mayo were under construction and there were signs everywhere that said, “Detours lead to Discoveries.” This cannot be truer. Detours can be frustrating and one can lose their patience, but when you think about all the new discoveries you have made in life because a detour popped up, one can get excited about detours, unless of course, one is running late. New stores, new roads, and buildings you have never seen before, and ice cream shops suddenly appear that you never knew existed. I always have lived with the theory, it is best to get lost in a new city because you discover so much more when you do. Whether getting lost, experiencing detours, or simply wandering, new discoveries await you every day.
Read the full article on the St. Olaf website.
In a video message with Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Izen posted July 15, Auxiliary Bishop Kevin Kenney announced that he had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer.
Bishop Kenney said, “I was shocked to hear the news because as a non-smoker and one who tries to stay healthy, I have felt good. This is still a bit hard for me to believe, but after many medical appointments, tests, and consultations with a talented and caring medical team, I understand the reality and the need to care for myself.
“A plan is being developed for my treatment, which will begin in early August. I have on my calendar a pilgrimage to Norway to walk the path of St. Olaf with a group of parishioners from July 20-30. My plan, with the approval of my medical team, is to go to Norway and begin my treatments immediately upon my return.
“I come to you today to ask for additional prayers for me, Archbishop Hebda, Bishop Izen, my medical team, and for all who are stricken with cancer, or any illness, and their care takers. I remain positive and hopeful and believe in prayer and God’s will. I know the process will not be easy, but with your prayers and support, all will be well. We thank you for your continued love and support.”
Archbishop Hebda added, “Bishop Kenney has volunteered to continue to work as he can, fulfilling his role as both Auxiliary Bishop and pastor at St. Olaf Catholic Church. I don’t know how he’s done all of that in the past. We’re so grateful, Bishop, for your willingness to continue to serve. We certainly hope that people will be flexible, as there are those adjustments that need to take place in your schedule.”
Bishop Izen concluded the video by praying for Bishop Kenney and all those who are facing similar illnesses, adding, “I was honored to pray with Bishop Kenney. The two of us asked for the intercession of St. Sharbel as Bishop Kenney applied some of the saint’s blessed oil to his chest. St. Sharbel, a Lebanese saint, has more than 33,000 healing miracles attributed to his intercession, more than any other saint. So, I humbly ask you to add an intention to your daily prayers, begging St. Sharbel to intercede for our dear brother, Bishop Kenney.”
Thank you for your understanding that at this time, it is requested that no interviews or information requests are asked of Bishop Kenney, any members of his family, or the staff at the Archdiocese or St. Olaf parish in Minneapolis.
You may send well wishes (please no flowers or meals) to Bishop Kenney at bishopkenney@archspm.org or via the mail to:
Bishop Kevin Kenney
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
777 Forest Street
Saint Paul, MN 55106
Thank you for your prayers and caring, and for remembering that due to the volume of correspondence, acknowledgement may take some time.
Watch this page for more information and updates to come.
Photos and stories from pilgrimage to Norway with St. Olaf parishioners
