Archbishop Schulte was a faithful servant of the Lord
Published on Tuesday, 26 January 2016 12:00 | 
Written by Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond | | 
Archbishop Francis Schulte died on Jan. 17 in Philadelphia. Can you reflect on your relationship with him during the time he served as archbishop (from 1988 to 2002) and what you think his legacy is? He and I got along very well and worked very closely together. Archbishop Schulte brought a real fidelity to church teaching, and he also brought a keen sense of pastoral care. He was very committed to Catholic education, which was the focus of his priestly ministry for about 25 years in Philadelphia. He served as the assistant director and then the director of Catholic school education in Philadelphia for 20 years, so he was well-versed on the importance of providing families with the faith and values of a Catholic education. When he came to the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1988, he helped stabilize our nances and then used his administrative expertise to tailor the structure of the central administrative of- ces so that they could be more effective in fulfilling the mission of Christ. That new structure was something we needed. One of the hallmarks of his leadership style was consultation. He was someone who worked very collaboratively with others. Two great examples of that were the preparations for our bicentennial celebration in 1993 and the Catholic Life: 2000 pastoral planning process, which started at the parish level to gather wide input and then moved from there to the deanery and archdiocesan levels. He was very meticulous in his planning, and the archdiocese bene tted greatly from his careful leadership.
As someone who knew him well, what was he like as a person?
He was a very quiet man and someone who did not relish the public spotlight, but he bore that challenge very well. He was a very faithful bishop.
What had you heard recently about his health?
I knew his health had been declining. His good friend, Bishop Robert Maginnis of Philadelphia, had been keeping me informed and called me about a month ago and said the decision had been made to place him in hospice care.
How often had you seen him since you became archbishop in 2009?
Since I've been in New Orleans, when I would travel to the bishops' meetings in Washington, I would try to make a side trip to Philadelphia to see him. I went three times to see him at Villa St. Joseph, which is the assisted living facility for priests and religious in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The last time I saw him I could tell he was becoming frailer and his mind was not as sharp. But it was wonderful seeing him again. We always concluded our visit with a prayer of gratitude to God for all he accomplished for the people of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
What do you think it was like for someone who might be considered a bit of an introvert to follow someone with such a large personality such as Archbishop Hannan?
He was a quiet man but very re ective. He enjoyed people. Many people do not realize what a wonderful sense of humor Archbishop Schulte had, especially when he was sharing stories about his days involved in Catholic education and with Cardinal John Krol. He was a man of deep prayer and sharp intellect, and he also had a very good sense of humor.
You were appointed auxiliary bishop of New Orleans during his tenure as archbishop. Can you recall how that happened?
I was working at Notre Dame Seminary as rector, and I remember receiving a call from him one day during the annual United States bishops’ meeting in 1996. We talked for a few seconds, and then Archbishop Schulte said, “The nuncio (Archbishop Agostino Cacciavillan) wants to talk to you.” So, the nuncio came on the phone and told me that the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, had appointed me as auxiliary bishop of New Orleans. Then he went on to say that I would continue to serve as the rector of the seminary. I thought to myself, “I know Archbishop Schulte has already been talking to him!” So then Archbishop Schulte got back on the phone and congratulated me and said he was looking forward to ordaining me as a bishop. Then he reiterated I was staying at Notre Dame Seminary. So, it was very clear that I wasn’t going to have less to do. He was giving me more to do! We worked very well together.
How would you sum up his tenure in New Orleans?
He gave the archdiocese a shepherd’s care. He was a wise leader. His unwavering commitment to Christ and his church was an unwavering source of inspiration to me. We thank God for providing us with a shepherd after the heart of Jesus Christ.
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