The Diocese of Fort Wayne – South Bend says Bishop Emeritus John D'Arcy has died.
According to the Diocese, Bishop D'Arcy died Sunday morning at home, surrounded by loved ones. He was 80-years-old.
Bishop D'Arcy had been battling lung and brain cancer. He was diagnosed with what he called a "rare form of cancer" after not feeling well while visiting family in Massachusetts for Christmas. He started treatments with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston soon after the diagnosis. He returned home in late January.
Bishop D'Arcy had also been treated for prostate cancer in 2011.
Sunday night, local congregations are mourning D'Arcy's death. Part of the evening mass at St. Joseph Catholic church in South Bend was dedicated to the bishop.
"Bishop D'Arcy was always very supportive. He visited this parish many times. He confirmed a lot of our young people. He loved the faithful of this parish and the whole Diocese," says Father John DeRiso, CSC Priest.
Parishioners hearing the news today remember the kind of man and Christian D'Arcy was.
"I know that he was a person who, he really loved being a priest. He really loved being a bishop. He really loved being able to minister to the people in this Diocese," says St. Joseph Catholic Church member Katie Ball-Boruff.
During mass, the congregation at St. Joseph's prayed for eternal rest for D'Arcy and remembered those who were mourning his death.
Bishop D'Arcy retired in 2010. The Diocese says his death came on the 56th anniversary of his first mass as an ordained priest.
"I am filled with deep sadness at the death of a dear friend and brother bishop," Bishop Kevin Rhoades said in a written statement.
"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."
Funeral arrangements for Bishop D'Arcy are pending.
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