Mayor Domenic J. Sarno issued a statement on the passing of retired Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “I am very sorry to hear about Bishop Timothy McDonnell’s passing. My sympathy, thoughts, prayers, and encouragement go out to his family, friends, colleagues, and our Catholic Diocese. Bishop McDonnell came in during a very challenging time in our Catholic Diocese to restore our faith and ‘right the ship.’”
“After the devastating EF3 tornado of June 1, 2011, along with Congressman Richie Neal and myself, Bishop McDonnell played an important role as we succeeded in securing millions of dollars to rebuild Cathedral High School, now Pope Francis Prep School, on the same site as a continued anchor to our East Forest Park neighborhood. Besides his religious wisdom, he brought a business acumen side to his style of leadership. As we say goodbye and in the Irish proverb ‘May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.’”