A massive Farewell Dinner was organized by the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and hosted at the Italian Cultural Centre. The occasion was to hold a Farewell Dinner for Archbishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B. who is retiring after over 16 years of shepherding the flock of the Archdiocese of Vancouver entrusted to his pastoral care. The additional celebration was of the Archbishop’s 50th Anniversary of Priestly ordination that took place in Rome on 29 June 1975 at the hands of Pope St. Paul VI.
The evening was filled with many heartfelt expressions of admiration and gratitude. Many moving memories were shared by people gathered and via many pre-recorded video messages – some humorous, many amazing, all sincere and inspiring!
There was entertainment. Musical performances provided by Ambrose Matilda Music Connection, as well as light-hearted moments like the “Bad Jokes Contest” in which the Archbishop participated.
Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski and Archpriest Joseph Ostopowich from the Eparchy of New Westminster participated, as well as several other members of the Faithful. They were joined by an estimated almost 1000 guests for a wonderful Italian meal. Several groups and organizations, like the Knights of Columbus, reserved multiple tables to be present for this extraordinary event. After the formalities, Archbishop Miller then spent as much time as needed to accept greetings and well-wishes from the guests before the night was over.
A Farewell Mass is planned for Archbishop Miller at 7:00 PM at Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver on 13 May 2025. As the Archbishop will obviously stay for the welcoming and installation of his successor, Archbishop Richard Smith (May 23), he will only finally depart from Vancouver after Sunday 25 May.
