End of an Era for the Twin Cities Archdiocese, by Nicole Muehlhausen, KAAL, May 3, 2008

End of an Era for the Twin Cities Archdiocese

By Nicole Muehlhausen
KAAL
May 3, 2008

http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S432232.shtml?cat=10151

MINNESOTA — It's an end of an era for the archdiocese of St. Paul and Minnesota; after 13 faithful years of service, Archbishop Harry Flynn retired from his position Friday.

Flynn started his final day on the job at 4 a.m. Friday morning. He tells 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS he's excited to be at the beginning of a new phase of his life.

"When I woke up this morning I felt freer than I did in the past 22 years. Why? Because the responsibility is no longer mine," he said.

Flynn also turned 75-years-old Friday, which is an age that means retirement under Canon law. The archdiocese will be handed over to Rev. John Nienstedt.

"I prayed for Archbishop Nienstedt, as I have every day since he arrived. It is not easy to be a shepherd of a diocese," Flynn explained.

As he went about his day, Flynn remembered the most difficult time of his 47-years in the priesthood: The discovery of sexual abuse of children by priests.

"I think we are the only institution in the country, indeed in the world, which has something in place now for the protection of children," he said.

Flynn's fight for justice and dignity is how he wants to be remembered.

"I hope that my legacy will be one of a good pastor and someone who cares about people," he said.