Bishop Bernard J. Harrington

In Loving Memory of Bishop Bernard J. Harrington

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.

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.

The funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with Vespers from the Office of the Dead beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday before the funeral. Committal will be held the same days as the funeral, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Cemetery of Winona, Minnesota.

Guests are welcome to park at the Mayo West Ramp (515 W Center St.; enter from 5th 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

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.