A memorial Mass will take place for Fr. John Wironen, C.S.C., on Thursday, November 7, at 5:15 p.m., in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. All are welcome to attend and pay their respects to Fr. John, who passed away on Wednesday, October 16, at Holy Cross House in Notre Dame, Ind., at the age of 79.
John Wironen became a candidate for the Holy Cross Brothers in 1958 and made his final profession of vows in August 1964. After becoming a registered nurse in 1966 he was assigned as director of nursing at Holy Cross House. Brother Wironen taught nursing at UP from 1973 to 1976, when he returned to Notre Dame to join the priesthood. He was ordained on April 21, 1979, by Bishop Paul Waldschmidt, C.S.C.
Fr. Wironen’s long career in health care and the clergy took him to Oregon Health Sciences University, the UP Salzburg Program, Providence Portland Medical Center, and pastor positions at St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Francis Xavier in Burbank, Holy Cross Parish in North Portland, and more. He lived for many years at Holy Cross Court and as a result was a frequent campus visitor, spreading his signature warmth and good cheer and conversational skills with all he met. Fr. John moved to Holy Cross House in 2017.
For more information contact Elizabeth Cole, Holy Cross office, at colee@up.edu.