Intrerred 08/31/2018∼Phoenix - Most Reverend Thomas J. O'Brien, 82 - the third Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, died on Sunday, August 26, 2018.
Bishop O'Brien was born on November 29, 1935 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Frank R. and Mary Ellen (O'Donnell) O'Brien. He lived in Indianapolis with his loving parents and cherished older sister Jeanne. He discerned a call to the priesthood at the young age of 10 and entered St. Meinrad Seminary at the age of 12. He wanted to be a pastor who helped people and guided them on their spiritual journey with God. He continued his priestly studies at St. Meinrad Seminary for both college and theology and was ordained to the priesthood on May 7, 1961 at St. Meinrad Seminary for the Diocese of Tucson.
Following his ordination, he began his priestly ministry at Immaculate Conception Parish in Douglas, Arizona as a parochial vicar. He was later assigned to St. Theresa and St. Gregory parishes in Phoenix before being asked to serve as chancellor and priest secretary to Bishop Edward A. McCarthy, the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Phoenix in 1969. He continued to serve in this role until he returned to parish ministry as the pastor of St. Catherine of Siena in Phoenix in 1979. He also served as vicar general during this period until the untimely death of Bishop James S. Rausch in 1981. He was then elected diocesan administrator until he was appointed Bishop of Phoenix on November 19, 1981.
A special gift to him was being ordained bishop by the future St. John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, 1982. He returned to Phoenix for his installation on January 18, by Apostolic Delegate Pio Laghi.
His pastoral ministry as a bishop was guided by his episcopal motto, "To Build Up the Body of Christ." As bishop he found his most joyful time in two areas: working with priests and serving as a pastor for lay people in the Diocese of Phoenix. He was blessed to host two-modern day saints: John Paul II in 1987 and Mother Teresa in 1989. These visits were moments of great joy for many people and he relished sharing stories of both visits.
He was dedicated to the growth of the Church in the Southwest and started many new initiatives in the Diocese of Phoenix. Under his episcopacy, the number of Catholics in the diocese grew from about 273,000 in 1982, to more than 530,000 by 2003. To meet the needs of this growing population, Bishop O'Brien founded 15 parishes, six diocesan Catholic schools, and 15 Catholic preschools. He was responsible for creating a new Diocesan Pastoral Center in the heart of Downtown Phoenix.
He resigned as Bishop of Phoenix in June of 2003. In later years he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had a great love of opera, photography and a good meal. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease after retirement and most recently suffered from the challenges as the disease progressed. His last days were full of many visits from his loving family and close friends who offered him prayers and support.
He is survived by his beloved sister, Jeanne Dearing of Scottsdale, Arizona; four nephews, Jim, Tom, Tim and Michael; one niece, Vicki; several great nieces and nephews; and cousins Mary Anne Thurston and Jim Gootee.
St. Mary's Basilica, 231 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, Arizona. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 30 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm with a rosary at 4:30 pm and additional visitation hours from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm with a vigil service at 8:00 pm. The Mass for Christian Burial will be on Friday, August 31 at 10:00 am with a reception to follow at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. Rite of Committal will be private for the family later in the afternoon.
Eternal rest grant to him, O' Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home, Mesa, Arizona.
Published in The Arizona Republic on Aug. 30, 2018
Bishop O'Brien was born on November 29, 1935 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Frank R. and Mary Ellen (O'Donnell) O'Brien. He lived in Indianapolis with his loving parents and cherished older sister Jeanne. He discerned a call to the priesthood at the young age of 10 and entered St. Meinrad Seminary at the age of 12. He wanted to be a pastor who helped people and guided them on their spiritual journey with God. He continued his priestly studies at St. Meinrad Seminary for both college and theology and was ordained to the priesthood on May 7, 1961 at St. Meinrad Seminary for the Diocese of Tucson.
Following his ordination, he began his priestly ministry at Immaculate Conception Parish in Douglas, Arizona as a parochial vicar. He was later assigned to St. Theresa and St. Gregory parishes in Phoenix before being asked to serve as chancellor and priest secretary to Bishop Edward A. McCarthy, the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Phoenix in 1969. He continued to serve in this role until he returned to parish ministry as the pastor of St. Catherine of Siena in Phoenix in 1979. He also served as vicar general during this period until the untimely death of Bishop James S. Rausch in 1981. He was then elected diocesan administrator until he was appointed Bishop of Phoenix on November 19, 1981.
A special gift to him was being ordained bishop by the future St. John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, 1982. He returned to Phoenix for his installation on January 18, by Apostolic Delegate Pio Laghi.
His pastoral ministry as a bishop was guided by his episcopal motto, "To Build Up the Body of Christ." As bishop he found his most joyful time in two areas: working with priests and serving as a pastor for lay people in the Diocese of Phoenix. He was blessed to host two-modern day saints: John Paul II in 1987 and Mother Teresa in 1989. These visits were moments of great joy for many people and he relished sharing stories of both visits.
He was dedicated to the growth of the Church in the Southwest and started many new initiatives in the Diocese of Phoenix. Under his episcopacy, the number of Catholics in the diocese grew from about 273,000 in 1982, to more than 530,000 by 2003. To meet the needs of this growing population, Bishop O'Brien founded 15 parishes, six diocesan Catholic schools, and 15 Catholic preschools. He was responsible for creating a new Diocesan Pastoral Center in the heart of Downtown Phoenix.
He resigned as Bishop of Phoenix in June of 2003. In later years he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had a great love of opera, photography and a good meal. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease after retirement and most recently suffered from the challenges as the disease progressed. His last days were full of many visits from his loving family and close friends who offered him prayers and support.
He is survived by his beloved sister, Jeanne Dearing of Scottsdale, Arizona; four nephews, Jim, Tom, Tim and Michael; one niece, Vicki; several great nieces and nephews; and cousins Mary Anne Thurston and Jim Gootee.
St. Mary's Basilica, 231 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, Arizona. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 30 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm with a rosary at 4:30 pm and additional visitation hours from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm with a vigil service at 8:00 pm. The Mass for Christian Burial will be on Friday, August 31 at 10:00 am with a reception to follow at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. Rite of Committal will be private for the family later in the afternoon.
Eternal rest grant to him, O' Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home, Mesa, Arizona.
Published in The Arizona Republic on Aug. 30, 2018
Intrerred 08/31/2018∼Phoenix - Most Reverend Thomas J. O'Brien, 82 - the third Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, died on Sunday, August 26, 2018.
Bishop O'Brien was born on November 29, 1935 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Frank R. and Mary Ellen (O'Donnell) O'Brien. He lived in Indianapolis with his loving parents and cherished older sister Jeanne. He discerned a call to the priesthood at the young age of 10 and entered St. Meinrad Seminary at the age of 12. He wanted to be a pastor who helped people and guided them on their spiritual journey with God. He continued his priestly studies at St. Meinrad Seminary for both college and theology and was ordained to the priesthood on May 7, 1961 at St. Meinrad Seminary for the Diocese of Tucson.
Following his ordination, he began his priestly ministry at Immaculate Conception Parish in Douglas, Arizona as a parochial vicar. He was later assigned to St. Theresa and St. Gregory parishes in Phoenix before being asked to serve as chancellor and priest secretary to Bishop Edward A. McCarthy, the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Phoenix in 1969. He continued to serve in this role until he returned to parish ministry as the pastor of St. Catherine of Siena in Phoenix in 1979. He also served as vicar general during this period until the untimely death of Bishop James S. Rausch in 1981. He was then elected diocesan administrator until he was appointed Bishop of Phoenix on November 19, 1981.
A special gift to him was being ordained bishop by the future St. John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, 1982. He returned to Phoenix for his installation on January 18, by Apostolic Delegate Pio Laghi.
His pastoral ministry as a bishop was guided by his episcopal motto, "To Build Up the Body of Christ." As bishop he found his most joyful time in two areas: working with priests and serving as a pastor for lay people in the Diocese of Phoenix. He was blessed to host two-modern day saints: John Paul II in 1987 and Mother Teresa in 1989. These visits were moments of great joy for many people and he relished sharing stories of both visits.
He was dedicated to the growth of the Church in the Southwest and started many new initiatives in the Diocese of Phoenix. Under his episcopacy, the number of Catholics in the diocese grew from about 273,000 in 1982, to more than 530,000 by 2003. To meet the needs of this growing population, Bishop O'Brien founded 15 parishes, six diocesan Catholic schools, and 15 Catholic preschools. He was responsible for creating a new Diocesan Pastoral Center in the heart of Downtown Phoenix.
He resigned as Bishop of Phoenix in June of 2003. In later years he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had a great love of opera, photography and a good meal. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease after retirement and most recently suffered from the challenges as the disease progressed. His last days were full of many visits from his loving family and close friends who offered him prayers and support.
He is survived by his beloved sister, Jeanne Dearing of Scottsdale, Arizona; four nephews, Jim, Tom, Tim and Michael; one niece, Vicki; several great nieces and nephews; and cousins Mary Anne Thurston and Jim Gootee.
St. Mary's Basilica, 231 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, Arizona. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 30 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm with a rosary at 4:30 pm and additional visitation hours from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm with a vigil service at 8:00 pm. The Mass for Christian Burial will be on Friday, August 31 at 10:00 am with a reception to follow at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. Rite of Committal will be private for the family later in the afternoon.
Eternal rest grant to him, O' Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home, Mesa, Arizona.
Published in The Arizona Republic on Aug. 30, 2018
Bishop O'Brien was born on November 29, 1935 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Frank R. and Mary Ellen (O'Donnell) O'Brien. He lived in Indianapolis with his loving parents and cherished older sister Jeanne. He discerned a call to the priesthood at the young age of 10 and entered St. Meinrad Seminary at the age of 12. He wanted to be a pastor who helped people and guided them on their spiritual journey with God. He continued his priestly studies at St. Meinrad Seminary for both college and theology and was ordained to the priesthood on May 7, 1961 at St. Meinrad Seminary for the Diocese of Tucson.
Following his ordination, he began his priestly ministry at Immaculate Conception Parish in Douglas, Arizona as a parochial vicar. He was later assigned to St. Theresa and St. Gregory parishes in Phoenix before being asked to serve as chancellor and priest secretary to Bishop Edward A. McCarthy, the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Phoenix in 1969. He continued to serve in this role until he returned to parish ministry as the pastor of St. Catherine of Siena in Phoenix in 1979. He also served as vicar general during this period until the untimely death of Bishop James S. Rausch in 1981. He was then elected diocesan administrator until he was appointed Bishop of Phoenix on November 19, 1981.
A special gift to him was being ordained bishop by the future St. John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome on the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, 1982. He returned to Phoenix for his installation on January 18, by Apostolic Delegate Pio Laghi.
His pastoral ministry as a bishop was guided by his episcopal motto, "To Build Up the Body of Christ." As bishop he found his most joyful time in two areas: working with priests and serving as a pastor for lay people in the Diocese of Phoenix. He was blessed to host two-modern day saints: John Paul II in 1987 and Mother Teresa in 1989. These visits were moments of great joy for many people and he relished sharing stories of both visits.
He was dedicated to the growth of the Church in the Southwest and started many new initiatives in the Diocese of Phoenix. Under his episcopacy, the number of Catholics in the diocese grew from about 273,000 in 1982, to more than 530,000 by 2003. To meet the needs of this growing population, Bishop O'Brien founded 15 parishes, six diocesan Catholic schools, and 15 Catholic preschools. He was responsible for creating a new Diocesan Pastoral Center in the heart of Downtown Phoenix.
He resigned as Bishop of Phoenix in June of 2003. In later years he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had a great love of opera, photography and a good meal. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease after retirement and most recently suffered from the challenges as the disease progressed. His last days were full of many visits from his loving family and close friends who offered him prayers and support.
He is survived by his beloved sister, Jeanne Dearing of Scottsdale, Arizona; four nephews, Jim, Tom, Tim and Michael; one niece, Vicki; several great nieces and nephews; and cousins Mary Anne Thurston and Jim Gootee.
St. Mary's Basilica, 231 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, Arizona. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 30 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm with a rosary at 4:30 pm and additional visitation hours from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm with a vigil service at 8:00 pm. The Mass for Christian Burial will be on Friday, August 31 at 10:00 am with a reception to follow at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. Rite of Committal will be private for the family later in the afternoon.
Eternal rest grant to him, O' Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Catholic Funeral Home, Mesa, Arizona.
Published in The Arizona Republic on Aug. 30, 2018
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