Retired Grand Island bishop dies This is a very sad day! The Omaha World-Herald Reports, "Retired Bishop Lawrence McNamara, who attended the installation of his successor in the Diocese of Grand Island Monday, died Friday afternoon." Click here for the story.The story from the Grand Island Independent.
One of my favorite stories about Bishop McNamara happened when I flew to Grand Island for my initial interview. I talked with Bishop McNamara on the phone and had given him my flight information but we had not discussed who was picking me up at the airport. Having ministered in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis for over eleven years, I did not expect the Bishop to pick me up at the airport. When I arrived I saw this "priest" standing in the airport lobby, pipe in hand. I assumed that the bishop had sent someone to meet me at the airport. Extending my hand I said, "Hi, I'm Don Kurre." To which he replied, "I'm Bishop McNamara." At that very moment, I knew I was in the right place. I honor Bishop McNamara, a great storyteller, with that story of my own. Thank you Bishop for believing in me and allowing me to minister in the Diocese of Grand Island. I will truly miss you. May you rest in peace.