Michael Sheehan

1939 - 2023

Archbishop Michael Jarboe Sheehan



Archbishop Emeritus Michael Jarboe Sheehan, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 3, 2023, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was born on July 9, 1939, in Wichita, Kansas, to the late John and Mildred Sheehan (nee Jarboe). Archbishop Sheehan was a beloved member of his family and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his loving sister-in-law, Fran Sheehan and was deeply fond of his many nieces and nephews: Ann Sheehan, Kathleen Wilmes (Stephen), Sarah Tucker (Jeff), Julia Taylor, Kelly Johnson (Joe), Kim McEntee (Chris), Sarah Graham (Joe), Susan Gliesman (Rob), Mary Beth Brotherson (Ryan), Karen Bishop (Ron), Mark Yadon, David Sheehan (Jacqui), and Steve Sheehan. He also is remembered affectionately by his cousins, especially Sally Jarboe and her late husband John. He was preceded in death by his brother John and his wife Sue, his sister Mary and her husband Tommy Yadon and his brother Jody. Archbishop Sheehan's family meant everything to him and in turn, he was deeply loved by them all. He was a pillar of faith for his family and he gave them unwavering support as he provided the sacraments of the Church to them across the generations. Archbishop Sheehan had a profound respect for the Sacrament of Marriage and the importance of the family in the Church and in society.

Archbishop Sheehan was also a beloved spiritual leader who dedicated his life to the service of God and his community, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those in the dioceses where he served. He was ordained on July 12, 1964, in Rome, Italy, by Auxiliary Bishop Filippo Pocci for the Diocese of Dallas. He was appointed by Pope St. John Paul II as the founding bishop of the Diocese of Lubbock on June 25, 1983, and was installed as the eleventh Archbishop of Santa Fe on September 21, 1993. He retired on June 4, 2015.

Archbishop Sheehan's peaceful departure ends a remarkable journey that spanned over eight decades, during which he selflessly guided countless individuals on their spiritual path and worked tirelessly to uplift the lives of those in need. Known for his unwavering faith, compassionate nature, and profound wisdom, he leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Throughout his tenure as the Archbishop of Santa Fe, Archbishop Sheehan led with unwavering dedication, offering solace, guidance, and hope to his flock. His genuine love for the Church and unwavering commitment to her teachings were evident in his every action as he strove to promote unity, compassion, and understanding among all believers.

Beyond his pastoral responsibilities, Archbishop Sheehan was deeply committed to social justice and evangelization as he worked tirelessly to abolish the death penalty in New Mexico and to champion initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty, promoting equality, and ensuring the well-being of the most vulnerable members of society. His unwavering advocacy for human rights and dignity earned him the respect and admiration of people from all walks of life. Archbishop Sheehan's impact reached far beyond the boundaries of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, as he actively engaged with interfaith communities and fostered dialogue and understanding between denominations. His commitment to ecumenism and interfaith collaboration served as a guiding light for promoting peace, harmony, and unity among diverse communities.

There will be a memorial Mass offered for Archbishop Sheehan at Immaculate Conception Church in Albuquerque at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7 (619 Copper Avenue). Rite of Reception: Receiving the Body will be at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe on Thursday, June 8, followed by a public viewing until 7:00 p.m. A vigil service will follow at 7:00 p.m. followed by an all-night vigil. The archbishop's funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 9, at 11:30 a.m. at the cathedral with the viewing concluding at 11:00 a.m. The burial will be private. The liturgies will be live streamed, please visit the Archdiocese of Santa Fe's Facebook page.

Please keep the happy repose of his soul in your prayers, remembering his family as well and the people of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. May Archbishop Michael Sheehan rest in peace and may his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.