The longtime archbishop of Santa Fe presided over his final Christmas Mass this month.
Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan celebrated Mass on Thursday in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis Assisi.
It was Sheehan's 21st Christmas Day Mass and likely his last.
Sheehan turned 75 last July and must retire under Canon Law.
Longtime churchgoers say they will miss Sheehan's sense of humor and storytelling.
Sheehan was installed as archbishop of Santa Fe in 1993.
He says he will be Archbishop Emeritus of Santa Fe after Pope Francis appoints a new archbishop.
Sheehan says he plans to retire in Albuquerque.
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Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
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