I just returned from Vespers at the Cathedral in Winona. Our former bishop, Loras J. Watters, age 93, died on March 30. He was a remarkably simple man who guided our diocese through the immediate post-Vatican II days. He was the bishop who sent me to Rome to study, and approved of my candidacy for ordination back in 1977 and installation as lector in 1978.
Our present coadjutor bishop gave the homily tonight and shared a small part of Bishop Watter’s last will and testament. In it he asked forgiveness from anyone whom he may have failed to serve adequately during his tenure as bishop. He asked any of these unnamed individuals to not only forgive him whatever he may have done or failed to do, but also to recommend his soul to the Lord.
Bishop Watters was admirably detached from worldly things. He gave everything he had (which wasn’t much) to the Church from whence it came, he said. I am told that at his death, the only things he owned were his episcopal ring and his watch.
God bless you Bishop Watters! May your soul rest in peace, and be sure to pray for all of us.
