Our Bishop Protector
Known and beloved all over the world, Bishop Keith L. Ackerman, SSC, OSF has for decades been the face of
the Anglo-Catholic way
—
including as Bishop (VIII) of the Diocese of Quincy (Anglican Communion);
President of Forward in Faith (North America), which support unity among Anglo-Catholics and furthers common aims;
Bishop Protector of the Franciscan Order of the Divine Compassion (FODC);
Superior General of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament;
Bishop Visitor of Saint Benedict's Abbey, Bartonville, IL (OSB);
and
Bishop Visitor of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Compassion.
Bishop Ackerman is the sole American bishop granted the honor to serve the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham (England)
as Bishop Guardian.
Regarded as the Anglican Communion's holiest shrine,
the United Kingdom continues
to observe "The National," a nationwide pilgrimage to this hallowed ground in Norfolkshire
every year.
Although "retired," Bp. Ackerman is counted as among the global leaders of the Anglican Communion's orthodox group,
GAFCON, which is the world's third largest expression of Christianity.
His efforts to achieve ecumenical unity, recently with the Orthodox Church
in America and with the Russian Orthodox Church,
have been tireless.
With other Anglican leaders, Bp. Ackerman concluded ecumenical talks with Patriarch Kirill (Cyril) this past August.
Having apostolic descent in both Anglican and Roman Catholic episcopal lines, he is a living sign of Catholic unity.
While Diocesan Bishop of Quincy, Bishop Ackerman served as Pastoral Episcopal Visitor of Episcopalian parishes all over the United States, providing a bishop's care wherever he saw the love of Christ and people suffering for their faith. His journey to Na Pua Li'i Hermitage affords a window into a saint's soul: he seeks neither palaces nor princely appointments amongst powerful prelates, but his eyes are ever upon simple and sincere hearts kneeling before Heaven's Gate.
The Bishop is himself a Third Order Franciscan professing his perpetual vows in Fall, 1971. With the Tertiaries of Na Pua Li'i, he affirms a Christian love that welcomes everyone to our Church and invites all Christians who embrace our Credenda to discern membership in our Third Order.
As Episcopal Vicar of the Diocese of Quincy, Bp. Ackerman was the consecrator of
the Altar of St. Mary and the Angels,
which is the cornerstone and beating heart of Na Pua Li'i Hermitage.
The Church of St. Mary and the Angels is under
the protection and care of the Rt. Rev'd Alberto Morales, OSB,
Bishop (IX) of the Diocese of Quincy.