Who is Archbishop Niederauer (Class of 1954)?
Archbishop Niederauer is the eighth Archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco and the second St. Anthony College Preparatory High School Alum to lead the S. F. Archdiocese
Born on June 14, 1936 in the Los Angeles area, Archbishop George Hugh Niederauer attended St. Anthony College Preparatory High School as a classmate of William Levada. After graduating in 1954 he attended Stanford University. During his freshman year he changed course and decided to enter St. John's Seminary in Camarillo, California, from which in 1959 he earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree.
He further completed his studies with a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and a Master of Arts degree in English Literature from Loyola University, Los Angeles in 1962.
On April 30, 1962, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Father Niederauer's first priestly assignment was as assistant pastor at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Claremont. In 1966, he completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree in English Literature from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
From 1972-1994, he served as spiritual director at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo. During those years he was also an instructor in Spiritual Theology. From 1987-1992, he served as rector of the seminary. From 1992-1994, he co-directed the Cardinal Manning House of Prayer for priests in Los Angeles.
Named a Chaplain to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, in 1984, with the title Monsignor, and a Prelate of Honor in 1988, Monsignor Niederauer was then appointed eighth Bishop of Salt Lake City on November 3, 1994 and was ordained on January 25, 1995.
In 2004 he received the Gandhi Peace Award from the Gandhi Alliance for Peace.
The Most Reverend George H. Niederauer was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as metropolitan archbishop of San Francisco on December 15, 2005, replacing fellow St. Anthony College Preparatory High School Alum William Levada who had been recently elevated to Cardinal.
On receiving news of Bishop Niederauer's selection as Archbishop, Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, Vicar General of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, reflected:
"The Catholic people of Utah are honored to have their bishop selected as Archbishop of the Metropolitan See in San Francisco. Bishop Niederauer will bring wonderful gifts as Shepherd of the Archdiocese. His sharp mind, quick wit, compassionate heart and generosity are qualities we will greatly miss. The bishop's ecumenical outreach and frequent presence at both civic and Catholic events leaves a significant impact on Utah. No doubt the people of Utah will feel great sadness at his departure. We wish him well."
His installment as Archbishop took place in San Francisco's Cathedral of Saint Mary on February 15, 2006. The Archdiocese of San Francisco has a population of 425,210, and currently has 425 priests, 62 permanent deacons 62 and 1004 religious.
His 2003 book, "Precious as Silver: Imagining Your Life with God" is a refreshingly frank exploration of what it means "to live in the world as disciples, guided by the Spirit of Jesus."
His personal hobbies include classical music, stamp collecting, reading and film appreciation.
