Saturday, January 10, 2009

Father (now Monsignor) Craig gets a new robe


Good news for Father Craig Harrison, the popular pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church downtown. The Californian reports today that Craig and Perry Kavookjian, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, were conferred the title monsignor this week by the pope. Outside of the church, this is only news because of the wide popularity of Father Craig, who seems to transcend doctrine and is the most popular religious figure in town. He's glib, witty, down to earth and can bring laughter to the most somber funeral. If he ever wants to leave the church, he could have any political office in town. I even had a close friend (not sure if he's agnostic, probably more likely a Deist) remark that if Father Craig were anything but Catholic, he'd attend his church. Aside from a new robe with some purple trim, we assume Monsignor Craig will retain his sense of humor.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Father Craig is an awesome priest. Ever since my favorite guy, Father Rob of the former St. Joe's, left for a bigger parish and school in Fresno, the Garcias have been bouncing between St Francis and OLPH for Mass. I really enjoy Father Craig's homilies as a lot of times he talks about family... but heck, the Mass is always packed! Because we show up 10-15 minutes before Mass, we have to settle for the outdoor seating.... which is not bad when you have kids but man, the sun or rain can get you if you are sitting in the right spot. It just goes to show the community is really fond of him so much that they would sit or stand outside the church to hear him on speaker.

Anonymous said...

Craig is seen here with his deceased sister, Nancy. Nancy and I were high school classmates. We enjoyed swim team together, and she was a shining light of the BHS class of '81!

and congrats to Craig.

Anonymous said...

I think that msgr father craig is the best priest when he says mass i get a more good understanding what he's talking about. But he is the best ever

Anonymous said...

Father Craig..The light of our Lord does now and will forever shine ever brightly around you. You have chosen to listen to your Father and you are doing his work every single day. You are a wonderful, intelligent, talented, generous, kind, and caring person whom I have the utmost love and respect for. You provide a living example of the living Christ. Inherent in each one of us. As human beings. The light of the lord shines ever brightly from within you. Thankyou, and the lord be with you...