New Orleans, La., Sep 30, 2011 / 01:11 am
Retired Archbishop Philip M. Hannan of New Orleans died in the early morning hours of Sept. 29. The archbishop, age 98, is being remembered for his tireless work for the poor and for being a “wonderful soldier of Christ.”
“Archbishop Hannan will be greatly missed,” said Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans.
“He was a man of the church, a man who loved God and certainly a man who loved God's people,” he said. “He was a great shepherd for us, and he also was a true New Orleanian.”
Archbishop Aymond recalled the “determination” and “great love for the poor” that Archbishop Hannan displayed throughout his life.
“People knew him and recognized him as THE archbishop of New Orleans,” he said. “I think that was a testament to the love, admiration and affection that people have for him.”
Kent Bossier, Archbishop Hannan’s former caregiver, recalled the archbishop as being someone who “loved humankind” and “could walk with the kings and the common men.”