[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E767]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE MOST REVEREND JOHN MICHAEL D'ARCY, BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE 
                        OF FORT WAYNE-SOUTH BEND

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2007

  Mr. DONNELLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
congratulations to the Most Reverend John Michael D'Arcy, Bishop of the 
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, who is celebrating the 50th 
anniversary of his ordination to the Priesthood. In the past 50 years 
countless individuals, both Catholic and not, have experienced the 
wisdom and love of Bishop D'Arcy and each of them can be grateful for 
having known him.
  Bishop D'Arcy, the son of Irish immigrants, was born on August 18, 
1932. He recalls feeling called to the priesthood at a very young age, 
hoping to follow in the footsteps of his childhood priests. Immediately 
following high school he entered Saint John's Seminary in Brighton, 
Massachusetts. For the next 8 years Bishop D'Arcy developed his 
spiritual knowledge and prepared to serve his community.
  After Seminary, Bishop D'Arcy studied in Rome at the Angelicum where 
he received his doctorate in spiritual theology in 1968. He returned to 
St. John's Seminary where he served as spiritual director and professor 
until 1985, guiding many young men in their journey to the priesthood. 
As a result of his years of faith and service, John D'Arcy was ordained 
auxiliary bishop in his native Boston in 1975.
  Bishop D'Arcy was appointed the eighth Bishop of Fort Wayne-South 
Bend on the 26th of February, 1985. During his tenure, he has focused 
extensively on enlarging the Catholic community in faith and numbers. 
His focus on education has led to the expansion of Catholic education 
across the diocese. With the creation of the South Bend Chancery and 
other church offices Bishop D'Arcy gave many more people access to 
Catholic services.
  So, today I rise to pay tribute to Bishop John D'Arcy for his years 
of dedication to the people of Indiana. His 50 years of selfless 
service will always be remembered by those whose lives are better 
because of his kindness and compassion. May God grant Bishop D'Arcy 
many more years of strength and courage. His service to the people of 
Indiana has truly been a blessing.

                          ____________________