Recognizing the Spiritual Life of Most Reverend Fernand Joseph Cheri, Iii, Ofm, Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize New Orleans' beloved native son, a true spiritual leader, mentor, and confidant. It is with great sadness that the Archdiocese of New Orleans announced the passing of the Most Reverend Fernand Joseph Cheri, III, OFM, Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans, who died on March 21, 2023. He was 71 years of age. He was the son of Fernand J. Jr., and Gladys Marguerite Epps Cheri.

In a recent message, Archbishop Aymond shared the news with clergy, the community of New Orleans, and the religious of the archdiocese writing, ``It is with a sad heart that I inform you that Bishop Fernand Cheri died. He has been called home to the Lord. We mourn his death and thank God for his life and ministry. May he rest in the arms of the risen Christ.''

Bishop Fernand Cheri was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 28, 1952. He attended Epiphany Elementary School, New Orleans, St. John Prep, New Orleans, and St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict. He received a Master of Divinity at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and a Master of Theology from the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University, New Orleans. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1978, at St. Louis Cathedral.

After his ordination, Bishop Cheri served as Associate Pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Church in Marrero, Louisiana, and later in New Orleans serving at St. Francis de Sales, St. Theresa Child of Jesus, and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Churches.

In 1996, he made his solemn profession in the Order of Friars Minor in the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and became a Franciscan priest to serve disadvantaged communities such as incarcerated individuals and the homeless. Bishop Cheri spent several years dedicated to campus ministry at Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois.

He returned to the Archdiocese of New Orleans after his Episcopal Ordination as Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans and Titular Bishop of Membressa on March 23, 2015. He served as Auxiliary Bishop since his ordination and recently served the people of St. Peter Claver Parish as Administrator.

Bishop Cheri was also a popular guest speaker and revivalist. He traveled both within the Archdiocese of New Orleans and nationally, preaching and sharing his love of music.

In addition to his pastoral assignments, Bishop Cheri served as a member of the College of Consultors, was a teacher at St. Augustine High School, New Orleans, and campus minister at Xavier University, New Orleans. He also served as the vocation minister for the OFM St. Louis Province, served on the Archbishop James P. Lyke Foundation, Catholic Campus Ministry Association, Episcopal Liaison to the African Congress Board of Trustees, and convener of the U.S. African American Bishops. Bishop Cheri was also very influential and active with the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver and the Institute of Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University.

The world is suffering a loss of a great Auxiliary Bishop that continuously prayed and worked to serve those often forgotten. We know that he will continue to watch over us as we live to fulfill his mission.

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