tvc.dsj.org | April 2, 2019
COMMUNITY
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Bishop Francis Anthony Quinn
Bishop Francis Anthony Quinn,
Seventh Bishop of the Catholic Diocese
of Sacramento from 1979 to 1993, passed
from this life into eternal life on March
21, 2019, at the age of 97. Ordained a priest
in 1946, Bishop Quinn served in the San
Francisco Archdiocese in several capaci-
ties before his episcopal ordination as
an Auxiliary Bishop of San Francisco in
1978, where he was ordained with Dio-
cese of San Jose Founding Bishop Pierre
DuMaine. In 1979 Bishop Quinn was
selected to come to Sacramento. Bishop
Quinn’s episcopal motto, “Love God,
love one another,” defined his long life
and selfless ministry.
He reached out to the people in the
twenty counties of Northern California
comprising the Diocese of Sacramento,
Catholics and non-Catholics alike, with
compassion, humility, and dedication.
He was a gifted and consummate com-
municator. He strived to understand
and connect with everyone with whom
he came in contact, including the media.
He was sought out for his intelligence
and keen insight on moral, social, and
political issues.
He had a particular concern for those
in need, especially those living on the
margins. He was well-known by the
homeless on the K Street Mall, where he
would frequently walk in the early eve-
nings, ministering to them in both practi-
cal and spiritual ways. He was a beloved
figure throughout the vast Sacramento
Diocese and a most welcome visitor to
the more than 100 parishes and many
ecumenical and inter-religious events.
In his annual visits to confer the sacra-
ment of Confirmation, he had a profound
and lasting influence on the youth of the
Diocese. His sincerity and affable nature
conveyed a genuine love and concern of
Bishop Cantú Visits Seminarians (above) – While in Chicago for a conference
on March 21, Coadjutor Bishop Oscar Cantú, center, met with some of the Diocese
of San Jose seminarians, who are studying at University of Saint Mary of the Lake
in Mundelein, Illinois.
Remembering Saint Joseph (at right) – Seminarians from the Diocese of San
Jose take a break from their studies at University of Saint Mary of the Lake in
Mundelein, Illinois, to gather in front of the statue of Saint Joseph on March 19,
the Feast Day of the patron saint of our Diocese.
young people and their families. When
he retired in 1993 and became Bishop
Emeritus, he dedicated the next thirteen
years to ministry with Native Americans
in and around Tucson, Arizona.
Returning to Sacramento in 2007,
he resided at Mercy McMahon Terrace
Assisted Living, where he ministered to
fellow residents.
Bishop Quinn was pre-deceased by
his brother Donnell in 2015. He is sur-
vived by his sister-in-law Betty Quinn,
nieces Joanne (Harry) Hansen and
Donna Bradshaw, and numerous grand-
nephews, grandnieces and their families.
Many people supported the Bishop
with their prayers, kindnesses, service,
and friendship, especially his devoted
friends Anita Martin and her family;
his long-time personal secretary Jean
Tamaki; and his attentive friend Ernest
Barbeau. The entire Diocese of Sacra-
mento, both Catholic and non-Catholic
alike, were touched by his love, affection,
and servant leadership. His vibrant pres-
ence will be deeply missed.
Bishop Quinn received loving care
from the dedicated staff of Mercy McMa-
hon and Snowline Hospice. The Quinn
family and Bishop Jaime Soto, current
Catholic Bishop of Sacramento, express
their appreciation and admiration for the
staff’s ever-attentive care and support.