[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 99 (Thursday, June 11, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  TRIBUTE TO ARCHBISHOP JOHN C. WESTER

 Mr. LUJAN. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate and 
extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Most Reverend Archbishop 
John C. Wester of Santa Fe, NM, to celebrate his 50th anniversary of 
ordination to the priesthood, along with his upcoming retirement. 
Archbishop Wester has provided 50 years of dedicated service to the 
Catholic Church, which has been a blessing to countless parishioners, 
families, and communities across New Mexico and beyond.
  Archbishop Wester was ordained as a priest on May 15, 1976. From 
Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of San Francisco in 1998, to Bishop 
of Salt Lake City in 2007, to then being installed as the 12th 
Archbishop of Santa Fe in 2015 at our beautiful and historic Cathedral 
Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Archbishop Wester's legacy is one of 
hope, kindness, and equity. Since his installation in 2015, he has been 
a beacon of support for vulnerable children and families. He has stood 
up for the poor and marginalized communities, supported humane 
immigration policies, and promoted peace. Archbishop Wester has 
reminded us about the importance of pursuing the ``common good'' in our 
communities.
  As a devout Catholic myself, seeing Archbishop Wester's excellency 
has truly been a blessing. His leadership and presence at St. Francis 
of Assisi will be truly missed. Through our shared commitment to 
serving others and strengthening communities alongside so many local 
initiatives, I have come to greatly appreciate his compassion, 
humility, and dedication. I am grateful for voices like Archbishop 
Wester's, and I applaud his devotion not only to the Catholic Church, 
but also to the people of New Mexico.
  As we celebrate this important milestone, I proudly stand before my 
distinguished colleagues to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 
Most Reverend Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe and extend my 
heartfelt congratulations to this remarkable milestone.
  

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