GAYLORD -- Gaylord Bishop Jeffrey J. Walsh has been named the Baraga Man of the Year by the Advisory Board of the Bishop Baraga Association.

The award is given to those who help share the story of Bishop Frederic Baraga who was the first Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette.

The Association noted Walsh’s time visiting the Baraga Chapel and Education center in Marquette, his hosting of Baraga Days in Gaylord in 2024 and his first Christmas in Gaylord where he snowshoed to Mass, a nod to Baraga who became known as the ‘Snowshoe Priest.’

“It’s been an honor, you know, to receive that award, and I was not expected at all. I’ve been really enamored with, the story of Bishop Baraga since I arrived here in Michigan. And, the last year when they had Baraga days, we hosted it here in Gaylord. And,

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