Archbishop of Hartford Visits Westminster

The Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell, the Archbishop of Hartford, visited Westminster School April 10 to tour the campus, speak at chapel service and attend a reception in Hinman Reading Room. This was his first visit to the campus. Link to Photo Gallery.

Upon his arrival, Daley O’Herron ’08, whose grandfather, Jonathan O’Herron, helped arrange the visit, gave the archbishop a tour of campus buildings and grounds. The campus community then assembled in Andrews Memorial Chapel for a chapel service at which the archbishop was the featured speaker.

Archbishop Mansell began his chapel talk by commenting on the serenity of the Westminster campus and the cheerfulness of all those he had met on his tour. He then told students that “this is the time of the most rapid growth in your lives: academically, emotionally and socially” and that “spiritual development integrates us as full human beings.” He also spoke about the importance of believing in others and how it can transform lives. “Believing in another is powerful medicine,” he said. “Give thanks for all who believe in us.” He praised Westminster for being socially conscious saying, “Together we can accomplish more than we can do alone.” Lastly, he emphasized the importance of spiritual growth. “Without roots, no growth is possible and you have terrific roots here in your families and your school traditions,” he said. “Our growth must be integrated with spiritual growth to be a whole person.”

Following the chapel service, a number of faculty members and students attended a reception for the archbishop in Hinman Reading Room where they greeted him and talked about a wide range of subjects.

A native of New York City, Archbishop Mansell attended SS. Peter and Paul School in the Bronx and the Cathedral Preparatory Seminary in New York City. He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers and attended the North American College and the Gregorian University in Rome, where he earned a licentiate in sacred theology. He did postgraduate work at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

He was ordained a priest in Rome in 1962 and served as a parish priest in various parishes in New York City and Westchester County. In 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed him auxiliary bishop of New York and in 1993, he was ordained a bishop by Pope John Paul II in Rome. He was installed as the 12th Bishop of Buffalo in 1995, and in 2003, he was installed as the fourth Archbishop of Hartford.

The Archdiocese of Hartford comprises Hartford, Litchfield and New Haven counties and includes approximately 700,000 Catholics. More than 500 priests minister within the Archdiocese, serving 216 parishes as well other apostolates.