Upon receiving news of the death today, June 15, of Al Kresta, founder and president of the Ann Arbor-based Ave Maria Radio, Bishop Earl Boyea of Lansing has issued the following statement:

“Like so many people across the Diocese of Lansing and beyond, I am very saddened to learn of Al Kresta’s death and offer my prayers for the repose of his soul and for his wife, Sally, and their children. May they be fortified by God’s love in the days and weeks to come.”
 
“Al Kresta’s life and apostolate have bestowed so many blessings upon the life of this diocese over so many years. It is a mark of the man’s integrity that he prayerfully decided to return to the Catholic faith of his youth in 1992 and, thus, left behind a secure livelihood as a popular evangelical pastor and broadcaster. Such characteristic courage gave foundation in 1997 to the Ann Arbor-based Ave Maria Radio which has been a jewel in the crown of his ministry in this diocese ever since.”
 
“On a personal note, I always enjoyed Al Kresta’s company, his good humor, his faithful friendship, and his unstinting witness to Jesus Christ and His Holy Church. I will miss him very much. May he rest in peace.”