From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda: 

On this first Sunday of Advent, my heart goes out to Bishop Sirba’s family and to the priests and faithful of the Diocese of Duluth as they grieve his sudden passing. A native son who loved Christ and his Church, he will be missed throughout this Archdiocese as well. A man of prayer and discernment, he will long be remembered for his humble and compassionate Christ-like service. While saddened by his passing, I give thanks to God for Bishop Sirba’s friendship, example and counsel, for his leadership of the Church of Duluth, and for the fruits that are still being harvested from his selfless ministry as a priest of this Archdiocese. May he rest in peace