MINNEAPOLIS (OSV News) — The Basilica of St. Mary has invited people to sign a poster-card for Bishop Kevin T. Kenney as he prepares to begin treatment for lung cancer.

It is one of many gestures of prayers and closeness that Catholics in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis have extended since learning of the auxiliary bishop’s cancer diagnosis.

On July 15, Bishop Kenney announced his diagnosis via a video to the faithful of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, standing alongside Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda and Auxiliary Bishop Michael J. Izen.

“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 other illness and their caretakers,” Bishop Kenney said in the video. “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.”

Thousands share prayers, support

Thousands of people on social media reacted to Bishop Kenney’s health news by sharing their support and promising prayer. The basilica’s card is being signed after weekend Masses through Aug. 9, reported The Catholic Spirit, newspaper for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

“Our community holds him, his medical team, the St. Olaf parish, and all those who care for him in prayer for successful treatment and a full recovery,” the basilica’s website states.

A Minneapolis native, Bishop Kenney, 66, was ordained a bishop in October 2024. As a priest and bishop, his ministry has included key roles with the archdiocese’s Latino Catholics on parish and archdiocesan levels. He continues to serve as pastor of St. Olaf in downtown Minneapolis, an assignment he has held since 2019. Before beginning treatment, he led a July 20-30 pilgrimage of St. Olaf parishioners to Norway to venerate the parish’s patron saint.

‘Shocked to hear the news’

In the three-minute video announcing the cancer, Bishop Kenney said “a persistent and annoying cough” in recent months drove him to seek medical attention.

“It was discovered that I have lung cancer,” Bishop Kenney said. “I was shocked to hear the news because as a non-smoker and one who has tried to stay healthy, I have felt good.”

He continued: “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.”

Seeking St. Charbel’s intercession

Bishop Izen, who was ordained a bishop in 2023, appealed especially for the intercession of St. Charbel Makhlouf, a Maronite Catholic priest and monk who lived from 1828 to 1898 in Lebanon.

“I was honored to pray with Bishop Kenney,” Bishop Izen said in the video. “The two of us asked for the intercession of St. Charbel as Bishop Kenney applied some of the saint’s blessed oil to his chest. St. Charbel is a Lebanese saint who has more than 33,000 healing miracles attributed to his intercession — more than any other saint.”

Bishop Izen continued by saying to the faithful: “I humbly ask you to add an intention to your daily prayers, begging St. Charbel to intercede for our dear brother Bishop Kenney and all the sick of the archdiocese.”

‘Cancer is a hard word to hear’

In a July 23 column in The Catholic Spirit, Bishop Kenney reflected on the nature of parish fall festivals, pilgrimage and travel before turning to “a new detour of my journey.”

“I want to thank everyone who has reached out to me with prayers, love and support,” he said. “I have great faith in God, that this time will be for the benefit of many.

“Now, having journeyed with many on their detours, I appreciate all who are journeying with me,” he said. “Cancer is a hard word to hear. When we hear it for ourselves, denial comes very easily. But I have come to terms with this in my life and appreciate all members of the medical teams who have given me advice and compassionately laid out the facts.

“Deciding on healthcare and procedures can be complex, and each team has told me that I am complex, which is not the first time I’ve heard this,” he continued. “God does not give you something you cannot handle, so I guess complexity is a gift in my life. God bless you all, let us pray for each other, for all who are struggling with an illness, their medical teams, and caretakers, in Jesus’ name.”

Rebecca Omastiak is the news editor and Josh McGovern is a reporter for The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. OSV News contributed to this story. This reporting was published by The Catholic Spirit and distributed in partnership with OSV News.