A beloved bishop emeritus for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend was remembered today at a funeral mass.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne was packed with people paying their last respects to Bishop John D'Arcy. Dozens of church leaders, community leaders and parishioners celebrated his life and contributions to the Church.
D'Arcy lost his battle with cancer Sunday. He served 28 years with the diocese.
"I was near tears through the whole thing," said Bishop Daniel Jenky of the Diocese of Peoria. "I was looking at his sisters, and they weren't crying, but some people said they had a couple days to do that, I said well buck up Jenky."
"Bishop D'Arcy was a mentor to me, was someone who always provided me with wisdom and advice," said Senator Joe Donnelly. "My family and I have been members of the diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend all our lives."
In a private ceremony with the family, D'Arcy was placed in the crypt at the cathedral. The public can start visiting in the next few weeks after a marker is in place.
Anyone looking to make a donation in honor of the late bishop is asked to give to one of the following organizations:
The Bishop D'Arcy Catholic Education Fund
Christ Child Society
The Seminary Education Fund
The Saint John the Baptist Parish in Fort Wayne
The Saint Monica Parish in Mishawaka
The Priests' Pension Fund
The Women's Care Center
Any of the four Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
