After a challenging yet renewing 72 mile walk through the countryside and small towns of Norway, we arrived in Trondheim and celebrated the feast day of Saint Olaf. What a celebration! Bishop Erik Varden, bishop of Trondheim, was delighted to know the devotion to Saint Olaf is holding strong in Minneapolis. Throughout the journey, I realized how far and quickly the news of my cancer diagnosis spread. I cannot thank everyone enough for the thousands of comments and prayers I have read. Our world is truly blessed by all of you, and I am too. God bless you all!
- Bishop Kevin Kenney
Image from Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway on the Feast of Saint Olaf. Bishop Kevin Kenney processes in with an Auxiliary Bishop from Germany.
You can find the Spiritual Bouquet display under the skylight at the main entrance to Saint Olaf.
PROJECT HOPE is an Archdiocesan-wide prayerful response, not only to Bishop Kevin' illness, but also to all those who suffer from cancer and other debilitating illnesses. Included in PROJECT HOPE are the care givers and medical teams who fervently work to assist patients in their journey.
PROJECT HOPE is you and me giving of our gifts, using those gifts to reach out the helping hand in genuine prayer, actively sharing in ways that fit you, to bring hope, faith, promise, and possibility to others.
It could be just a few moments at the start of your day, on your way to work or school, or
sharing some free time in the evening, consider what you can do to bring PROJECT HOPE alive in your life. As you Pray ~ Serve ~ Share your gifts, in minutes or hours, you can be the face, hands, and feet of God to the one most in need. PROJECT HOPE is you, your family, your circle of friends, it can be a ministry, a Mass time, the whole parish, and more. In actions small and large, sharing our faith through PROJECT HOPE, we can be present to those in need, lend a hand, lift a spirit, heal the sick, change the world.
Be a part of PROJECT HOPE. Pray for Bishop Kevin Kenney. Pray for Hope.
Share a prayer request to Saint Olaf's Prayer Ministry by clicking on PRAYER REQUEST in the upper right hand corner of this website, or by clicking HERE: Prayer Request | St Olaf
JULY 15, 2026 ANNOUNCEMENT:
In a video message with Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Izen posted July 15, 2026,
Auxiliary Bishop Kevin Kenney announced that he had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer.
Bishop Kenney said, “I was shocked to hear the news because as a non-smoker and one who tries to stay healthy,
I have felt good. This is still a bit hard for me to believe, but after many medical appointments, tests, and consultations
with a talented and caring medical team, I understand the reality and the need to care for myself. "
“A plan is being developed for my treatment, which will begin in early August. I have on my calendar a pilgrimage to Norway
to walk the path of Saint Olaf with a group of parishioners from July 20-30. My plan, with the approval of my medical team,
is to go to Norway and begin my treatments immediately upon my return."
“I come to you today to ask for additional prayers for me, Archbishop Hebda, Bishop Izen, my medical team, and for all
who are stricken with cancer, or any illness, and their care takers. I remain positive and hopeful and believe in prayer and
God’s will. I know the process will not be easy, but with your prayers and support, all will be well.
We thank you for your continued love and support.”
Archbishop Hebda added, “Bishop Kenney has volunteered to continue to work as he can, fulfilling his role as
both Auxiliary Bishop and pastor at Saint Olaf Catholic Church. I don’t know how he’s done all of that in the past.
We’re so grateful, Bishop, for your willingness to continue to serve. We certainly hope that people will be flexible,
as there are those adjustments that need to take place in your schedule.”
Bishop Izen concluded the video by praying for Bishop Kenney and all those who are facing similar illnesses, adding,
“I was honored to pray with Bishop Kenney. The two of us asked for the intercession of Saint Sharbel as Bishop Kenney
applied some of the saint’s blessed oil to his chest. Saint Sharbel, a Lebanese saint, has more than 33,000 healing miracles
attributed to his intercession, more than any other saint. So, I humbly ask you to add an intention to your daily prayers,
begging Saint Sharbel to intercede for our dear brother, Bishop Kenney.”
Thank you for your understanding that at this time, it is requested that no interviews or information requests
are asked of Bishop Kenney, any members of his family, or the staff at the Archdiocese or Saint Olaf parish in Minneapolis.
You may send well wishes (please no flowers or meals) to Bishop Kenney at bishopkenney@archspm.org or via the mail to:
Bishop Kevin Kenney
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
777 Forest Street
Saint Paul, MN 55106
Thank you for your prayers and caring, and for remembering that due to the volume of correspondence,
acknowledgement may take some time.
For more information and updates, please visit https://www.archspm.org/bishopkenney/
View the announcement video in English here.
View the announcement video in Spanish here.