The Diocese of Sioux City introduced its next bishop, Bishop-elect John Edward Keehner of Ohio, during a press conference this (Wednesday) morning. The diocese announced on Feb. 12 that Pope Francis had selected Fr. Keehner nearly three years after Bishop R. Walker Nickless submitted his retirement request to the Vatican at age 75, as required by canon law. Nickless has served as bishop since 2006 and says his approaching retirement is bittersweet.
Bishop Nickless then introduced Fr. John Edward Keehner to the public. Fr. Keehner was ordained in 1993 at St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown, Ohio. Keehner earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from the Pontifical College Josephinum in 1988, followed by his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Biblical Studies the same year of his ordination. He is currently the pastor of four parishes in Ashtabula County, Ohio. Bishop-elect Keehner recalls the moment he received the call.
Bishop-elect Keehner jokes he doesn’t remember much else from that conversation beyond accepting the appointment. He says he never really aspired to become a bishop, especially considering his unusual path to the priesthood.
Bishop-elect Keehner adds he is still trying to process his appointment. For now, he will focus on preparing for the transition and readying his parishes back in Ohio for the Lenten season. He says his goals for the diocese are very similar to those of his predecessors.
Bishop Nickless, who will remain in Sioux City after retirement to assist with the transition, says the diocese is thankful to Pope Francis for such a wonderful selection. Fr. Keehner’s ordination as the Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, which includes Sac, Calhoun, Crawford, Carroll, and Greene Counties, is scheduled for May 1 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany.
