Statement of Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades at Death of Bishop John M. D’Arcy:
February 3, 2013
Today our beloved Bishop Emeritus John M. D’Arcy died in the peace of Christ. I am filled with deep sadness at the death of a dear friend and brother bishop. We mourn the death of a good shepherd after the heart of Christ, a bishop who loved the Lord and his people with all his heart. We are comforted at this time by our faith in the Resurrection. As we share the pain of loss, Our Lord’s promise of eternal life gives us joy and hope.
Bishop D’Arcy faced death as he also lived his life: with deep faith and trust in God. He offered his prayers and sufferings this past month for the people he loved and served with joy and faithfulness these past 28 years in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
I thank the faithful of our diocese for the many prayers offered for Bishop D’Arcy in his final days. Your loving and prayerful support brought him much joy and comfort. I thank Maureen Schott, the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, Dr. Joseph Muhler and the other doctors, nurses and hospice care workers who assisted Bishop D’Arcy with such great care in his final days.
On behalf of the priests, deacons, religious sisters and brothers, and lay faithful of our diocese, I extend heartfelt condolences to Bishop D’Arcy’s beloved sisters, Sister Anne D’Arcy, a Sister of Saint Joseph, and Mrs. Joan Sheridan and her family.
I invite all to join me in prayer for our deceased shepherd that God may bring Bishop D’Arcy to everlasting peace and rest. The Lord has called him home. May the Lord welcome him among the saints in glory!
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades
Funeral arrangements according to the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend website:
Schedule of Funeral Liturgies for Bishop D’Arcy
Wednesday February 6th, 2013
Reception of the body and Morning Prayer at St. Matthew Cathedral, South Bend, will begin at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held throughout the day. Rosary will begin at 5 p.m. A Mass of Transferral celebrated by Bishop Kevin Rhoades will begin at 7 p.m.
Thursday February 7th, 2013
Reception of the body and Morning Prayer at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne, will begin at 10 a.m., with visitation throughout the day. Rosary will begin at 5 p.m. Evening Prayer is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Friday February 8th, 2013
Visitation of the body will take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne. A reception for all will immediately follow at the Grand Wayne Center.
The Rite of Committal will be conducted privately with the family in the crypt of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
News release from the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend:
Bishop John M. D’Arcy dies on anniversary of his first Mass
The Diocese of Fort Wayne – South Bend is saddened to announce the death of Bishop Emeritus John Michael D’Arcy.
Bishop D’Arcy died in the late morning hours of February 3rd, 2013. Bishop D’Arcy was at home at the time of his death, surrounded by loved ones.
He passed on the 56th anniversary of his first Mass as an ordained priest.
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades along with the diocese, asks for and offers prayers for Bishop D’Arcy, his family, loved ones and friends as together we grieve the loss of our beloved Bishop D’Arcy.