The first Jesuit missionaries in Alaska sailed up the Yukon River in 1887. By the turn of the 20th century, the Catholic religious order had grown to as many as 50 Jesuits serving throughout the state.
On June 16, nearly 140 years of Jesuit ministry in Alaska were honored during a special Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Bethel, the largest community in Western Alaska. A procession of priests opened the celebration as Bishop Stephen Maekawa of the Diocese of Fairbanks entered with his silver crosier.
“My brothers and sisters, we gather together to celebrate this wonderful and blessed occasion to acknowledge the love of God and the work of God through the 139-year mission of the Society of Jesus of the Jesuit fathers,” Maekawa said.
The Mass included readings in English and Yup’ik. During his homily, Maekawa reflected on the Jesuits’ lasting impact across Alaska.
“All of the 46 churches of the Diocese of Fairbanks that we currently have were established by either the Jesuit fathers or by direction of a Jesuit bishop,” he said. “We have a long history of the Society of Jesus’ presence and ministry here in all of Alaska.”
Known for serving in some of the Catholic Church’s most remote missions, the Jesuits built churches, schools, and ministries throughout Alaska after arriving in 1887. Their work helped establish Catholicism across much of the state, particularly among Alaska Native communities.
At the same time, the Jesuits leave a complicated legacy. Missionaries, including Jesuits, played a role in the forced conversion and assimilation of Alaska Native people. Many students at Jesuit-run boarding schools were prohibited from speaking their Native languages, and traditional practices such as dancing and drumming were banned. The Jesuits West Province also maintains a list of 150 Jesuits with credible claims of sexual abuse against minors or vulnerable adults, about a quarter of whom served in Alaska.
Father Sean Carroll, provincial of the Jesuits West Province, acknowledged that history.
“Thank you for all that you have taught us about who Jesus is and how to love and serve Him wholeheartedly,” Carroll said. “I also thank you for your patience with us. For there have been times when we have sinned and when we have hurt you.”
“I ask for your forgiveness for all that we have done that was not rooted in Christ and love for Him, and for when we did not value your culture nor recognize the presence of God in you,” he added.
Last spring, Carroll announced the Jesuits would withdraw their permanent presence from Alaska because of the difficulty recruiting priests to serve in remote communities, while emphasizing that the Church’s ministry would continue under the Diocese of Fairbanks.
Father Rich Magner, one of the final two Jesuit priests serving in Alaska, said the transition reflects the mission they always expected.
Bethel Parish Administrator Susan Murphy offered a final expression of gratitude.
“It’s difficult to say goodbye to people who have been a part of our lives for so long,” Murphy said. “We know that you have done what was yours to do, and have taught us to do what is ours to do. We are grateful.”
View KNOM’s photo essay from the Jesuits’ visit to Kwethluk as they paid respect to St. Olga.
