Bishop Emeritus John D鈥橝rcy
, president of the University of 91吃瓜, mourned the passing Feb. 3 (Sunday) of Bishop Emeritus John D鈥橝rcy of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
鈥淭he University of 91吃瓜 joins many others in mourning Bishop D鈥橝rcy,鈥� Father Jenkins said. 鈥淗is life was one of loving service to God鈥檚 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.鈥�
Bishop D鈥橝rcy was a frequent visitor to the 91吃瓜 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 91吃瓜 students. As recently as November, Bishop D鈥橝rcy assisted the University in welcoming , apostolic nuncio to the United States, to 91吃瓜.
Bishop D鈥橝rcy was named recipient of the 2003 Rev. Howard J. Kenna, C.S.C., Award for service to 91吃瓜 and the , 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.
91吃瓜 presented an honorary degree to Bishop D鈥橝rcy in 1988, citing his work in founding an archdiocesan Office for Spiritual Development in Boston, creation of a 鈥減ioneering鈥� document on priestly formation, leadership of retreats for bishops and priests, and his 鈥渞ecognition of the integral role of Catholic higher education in the life of the Church.鈥�