Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame, mourned the passing Feb. 3 of Bishop Emeritus John D’Arcy of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
“The University of Notre Dame joins many others in mourning Bishop D’Arcy,” Fr. Jenkins said. “His life was one of loving service to God’s people as a pastor and, since he became the bishop of this diocese in 1985, he has shown dedicated and affectionate care for the University. We remember him with gratitude and, though saddened by his passing, we believe he will be an advocate for us in the heavenly Kingdom.”
Bishop D’Arcy was a frequent visitor to the Notre Dame campus, often celebrating Mass with students, faculty and staff. He also ordained numerous Holy Cross priests and deacons, served as principal consecrator of Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, C.S.C., and celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation for hundreds of Notre Dame students. As recently as November, Bishop D’Arcy assisted the University in welcoming Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio to the United States, to Notre Dame.
Bishop D’Arcy was named recipient of the 2003 Rev. Howard J. Kenna, C.S.C., Award for service to Notre Dame and the Congregation of Holy Cross, the religious order that founded it. A scholarship was established in his honor at the University in 2000 in support of outstanding students from the diocese who are in need of financial assistance.
Notre Dame presented an honorary degree to Bishop D’Arcy in 1988, citing his work in founding an archdiocesan Office for Spiritual Development in Boston, creation of a “pioneering” document on priestly formation, leadership of retreats for bishops and priests, and his “recognition of the integral role of Catholic higher education in the life of the Church.”
Originally published by at newsinfo.nd.edu on February 04, 2013.
