Monsignor James D. Habiger, former Austin priest, principal, longtime educator and retired executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference, will celebrate the 60th anniversary of his ordination into the Roman Catholic priesthood on Sunday, May 22.

A native of Harvey, N.D., Habiger, 84, grew up in Owatonna. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore and a master’s degree in education from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and was ordained May 19, 1951.

Habiger returned to serve parishes within the Diocese of Winona, including St. Augustine’s in Austin. He was also principal at St. Augustine’s High School and later became superintendent of education for the Diocese of Winona from 1960 to 1976.

In 1980, Habiger was named executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference and held the position for 15 years, representing bishops on social, legal and political issues and lobbying the Legislature on their behalf. He also served as chaplain of the Minnesota House and Senate.

Habiger also was moderator of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women for 20 years before stepping down in 2008.

Habiger will celebrate Mass at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas on the University of St. Thomas campus, where he has lived since 1980. There will be a private luncheon for family and friends.