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Former Edmonton Archbishop Joseph MacNeil has passed away.

Most Rev. Joseph MacNeil, beloved Archbishop Emeritus of Edmonton, has passed at age 93. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Funeral details TBA. https://t.co/NQXqpTJ3Xj pic.twitter.com/hdlJyiNceY — Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton (@archedmonton) February 11, 2018

A native of Nova Scotia, MacNeil was appointed Archbishop of Edmonton’s Catholic Church in 1973.

He was instrumental in arranging Pope John Paul II to visit Edmonton in 1984.

MacNeil retired in 1999 but continued to serve in many ways, including visiting students at the school named after him in southwest Edmonton.

Our Catholic Communtiy has lost a beloved pastor & friend today. Please pray for Archbishop Joseph MacNeil as he makes his final journey home. #ECSDfaithinspires #yeg

https://t.co/3FJYONAZnh — ECSD (@EdmCathSchools) February 11, 2018

“He has served the Church in Canada, beginning in the Maritimes to the West in Alberta with unbound generosity, compassion, wisdom and of course, a sharp sense of humour,” Archbishop Richard Smith said. “With profound gratitude for his fruitful ministry, let us pray for the repose of his soul, and the comfort and consolation of his family and numerous friends.”

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MacNeil suffered a stroke Saturday and passed away in hospital Sunday morning.

He was 93 years old.