ISSN: 0029-7739 $ 1.00 per copy THE OBSERVER Official Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford

Volume 78 | No. 20 http://observer.rockforddiocese.org FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013

Rest in Peace Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. O’Neill 1917-2013

(Observer fi le photo/Ken Ring) See more coverage inside this special memorial issue.

This Issue Offi cial In his memory, please pray one of Quick News Bishop O’Neill’s favorite prayers, the Condolences ...... 2 Appointments Memorare: Bishop O’Neill’s funeral Headliners ...... 3 The Rev. Joachim Tyrta- Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, nia — to be Pastor of St. Pe- begins at 11 a.m. today at that never was it known that anyone who Diocesan ...... 4-12 ter Parish, Aurora, Illinois, Cathedral of St. Peter in fl ed to your protection, implored your help, or effective April 23, 2013. Rockford. Watch it live at sought your intercession was left unaided. The Rev. David M. Vogel www.rockforddiocese.org. Inspired by this confi dence, I fl y unto you, Other normal sections of The — to be Chaplain at Poor Coverage of Bishop O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to you do I Clares Monastery, Rock- Observer, including columns, ford, Illinois, effective May Emeritus O’Neill’s funeral come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrow- 1, 2013. Mass and burial will be in ful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise will return in the May 10 edi- Given at the Chancery, the May 10 issue of The not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and tion of the paper. April 26, 2013. Observer. answer me. Amen. 2 FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013 | The Observer

The Observer (ISSN 0029- 7739), is published weekly, except five times a year by the Diocese of Rockford, 555 Colman Center Dr., P.O. Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill (in Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 white shoes) processes on his Phone: 815/399-4300; Fax episcopal ordination, Oct. 11, 815/399-6225. 1968, in Rockford. Periodical postage paid at (Observer file photo) Rockford, Ill., and additional mail offices.

POSTMASTER: send address changes to The Observer, 555 Condolences Colman Center Dr., P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125 It is a sadness for Bishop Malloy: Upon hearing of me to realize that Thank you for your kind For ADVERTISING information: the death of Bishop Contact The Observer at the for the first time in notice concerning the death Art O´Neill, our address above or call 815/399- 70 years, Father Ar- of Bishop O’Neill. I very Diocese of Chulu- 4300; fax 815/399-6225, thur J. O’Neill is not much wanted to be pres- canas, Peru, is unit- E-mail: rbergman@ rockforddiocese.org. among those who ent for his funeral Mass but ed in prayer for him were my mentors that is not possible. I recall with Bishop Malloy Send NEWS information to The and friends through very vividly my first meet- and all of the faith- Observer at the address or fax ing with Bishop O’Neill as a seminarian at St. number above, or send e-mail my education and preparation for the ful of the Rockford Diocese. Pius X Seminary at Loras College. He asked to Observer@rockforddiocese. priesthood. We remember Bishop Art for his me to pursue my studies in Sacred Theology org. Father O’Neill came to St. James great missionary spirit. After Bishop Parish when I was in the first grade and in Rome and from that time on I came to ap- Subscription rate $28.00 per Loras Lane’s death in 1968, Bishop influenced my life ever after. He was preciate his abiding love for the Diocese of year (48 issues); Canadian Art immediately gave his joyful sup- the priest of our parish and later on I Rockford and the universal Church. and Pan American $29; other From the day of my ordination to the sacred port to the work of the Rockford mis- foreign: surface mail $37, air had the privilege of serving as Chan- mail $97; single copies $1. cellor of the Diocese for the long period priesthood in 1975 Bishop O’Neill always sionary priests in St. Anthony Parish during his episcopate. He has been a expressed in so many ways his love for the in Montero. He did this with joy. His The Observer Online digital good friend through the years that I priesthood and for his priests. I came to see characteristic was always that of mak- subscriptions are also available. succeeded him as Bishop of Rockford. that first hand as I assisted him in diocesan ing everyone happy. His smile and work as well as serving as one of his masters happiness were truly contagious. His Staff — I am grateful to Almighty God for Publisher: his presence and for all that he did for of ceremony for the many trips around the friendship with Bishop John McNabb, Most Reverend David J. Malloy me through the years, and I offer my diocese to administer the sacrament of con- OSA, and with me will never be for- prayers for his happy repose. firmation. gotten. Bishop Art was a bishop truly Associate Publisher: The last conversation he and I had was in love with Christ and his Church. Msgr. Eric Barr when I departed the Rockford Diocese for Bishop Emeritus Thomas G. Doran He wanted so much to share this love Editor: Penny Wiegert Diocese of Rockford Bismarck. It was brief but I will always be with others, a true missionary. Bishop grateful for his blessing given to me as he told Art wanted everyone to share in the News Editor: Amanda Hudson me that he would pray for me each day. I am mission of the church. Bishop Malloy’s confident that he is still doing so even now. Features Editor: Sharon Boehlefeld I shall offer the holy sacrifice of the Mass May the happiness of Bishop Art column will return be brought to fullness in God´s loving for his eternal rest and peace this next Friday Circulation/Proofreading: next week. See morning. Please know that I shall keep you presence in heaven. May he intercede Susan Sabrowski, and all of the Catholic faithful in my prayers. for the Rockford Diocese and for our Keith Ludolph, Ronald Bergman his reflections mission diocese in Chulucanas, Peru. Accounting: Jill Bonk Fraternally yours in Christ, about Bishop +David D. Kagan Most sincerely in Christ, Client Services: O’Neill on pages 4-5. Bishop of Bismarck (N.D.) Bishop Daniel Turley, OSA Ronald Bergman Apostolic Administrator of Fargo Bishop of Chulucanas, Peru Production and Web Administrator: Gary Haughton St. Mary, Maple Park, at St. Confirmation, St. Mary Church — May 14, 12 Bishop Malloy’s ROCKFORD Contributing Writers: Father Mary Church CARY — May 11, 4:30 p.m., noon, Blue Mass, Cathedral of John Slampak, Msgr. Aaron Public Schedule Brodeski, Keith Ludolph, Lynne ROCKFORD — May 6, Confirmation, SS. Peter and St. Peter ROCKFORD — May 2, Conner, George Weigel, Father 10:05 a.m., Catholic Forum, Paul Church 7:30 p.m., Vespers-Office of ROCKFORD — May 14, Ronald Rolheiser, Tony Carton, WROK 1440AM — May 12, 2 p.m., Presbyteral Council, Dr. Owen Phelps, Thomas the Dead for Bishop Arthur J. ROCKFORD Craughwell, Pat Szpekowski O’Neill, Cathedral of St. Peter BATAVIA — May 7, 10:30 7:30 a.m., Sunday Mass, Diocesan Administration a.m., 8th Grade School Mass Cathedral of St. Peter Center ROCKFORD — May 3, 11 Publication Dates: Weekly except that in 2013 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial for the Aurora Deanery, Holy LOVES PARK — May 12, Cross Church there will be no issues on for Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill, 3 p.m., Confirmation at St. Bishop Doran’s March 29, May 31, Aug. 30, Cathedral of St. Peter ROCKFORD — May 7, Bridget Church Public Schedule Nov. 29 and Dec. 27. 7 p.m., Confirmation, Holy ROCKFORD — May 5, 7:30 ROCKFORD — May 13, ROCKFORD — May 2, News Deadlines: a.m., Sunday Mass, Cathedral Family Church 10:05 a.m., Catholic Forum, 7:30 p.m., Vespers-Office of Usually, 10 days before publica- of St. Peter ROCKFORD — May 8, 9:45 WROK 1440AM the Dead for Bishop Arthur J. tion date. O’Neill, Cathedral of St. Peter BATAVIA — May 5, 1 p.m., a.m., Installation of Catholic NORTH AURORA — May Ad Deadlines: Confirmation, Holy Cross Women’s League Officers and 13, 6 p.m., Aurora-area ROCKFORD — May 3, 11 Usually, 10 days before publica- tion date. Church Mass for Peace, Poor Clares Knights of Columbus Clergy a.m., Mass of Christian Burial Corpus Christi Monastery DEKALB — May 5, 4 p.m., Night, Blessed Sacrament for Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill, Official information on the poli- Confirmation for St. Mary and ELGIN — May 9, 7 p.m., Church Cathedral of St. Peter cies, activities, and positions of the Diocese of Rockford is released only in the pages of The Observer, or in state-

Weekdaysabout ments from the Diocesan Top o’ the Morning with Bishop Malloy Office of Communications and 6:58 a.m. Live on WREX-TV, Channel 13 in Rockford. Publications. Listen anytime to archived broadcasts at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. Click on Bishop Malloy. on WREX-TV The Observer uses recycled Programs brought to you by Savant Capital Management | Hinshaw & Culbertson, Attorneys at Law | Provena Cor Mariae and St. Anne Center paper and is recyclable. Diocesan Office of Communications and Publications | The Observer | Office of Stewardship, Diocese of Rockford Our Mission is the mission of the Church itself — to Mondaysabout Catholic Forum with Bishop Malloy spread the Gospel through 10:05 a.m. Live on WROK Radio, 1440 AM in Rockford and on the Web. For live streaming audio on the Web, go to contemporary means of http://observer.rockforddiocese.org, click on Bishop Malloy and then click on Catholic Forum. communications. on WROK-AM The Observer | FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013 3

Headliners Bishop Emeritus O’Neill Dies April 27 Funeral Mass to Be Held May 3 at Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford ROCKFORD—The Most In 1954, he became admin- Some of the milestones of School and established the Rev. Arthur J. O’Neill, Bishop istrator at St. Thomas Aquinas Bishop O’Neill’s 26 years of Ministry Formation Program. Emeritus of the Catholic Dio- Parish in Freeport, becoming service to the Rockford Dio- Bishop O’Neill retired as cese of Rockford, died peace- pastor there in 1957, serving in cese include establishing par- bishop on April 19, 1994. fully Saturday, April 27, 2013, that position until 1967 when ishes in Crystal Lake, North Survivors are sisters, Sister at his residence in Presence Cor he became pastor of then-St. Aurora, McHenry, Rockford, Helen O’Neill, OP, of Sinsin- Mariae Center in Rockford. Peter Church (later Cathedral Roscoe and Woodstock. awa Mound, Wis., and Erma He was 95 and recently cel- of St. Peter). In 1970 he designated that St. Schneider of Dubuque, Iowa. ebrated 70 years in the priest- His service also included be- Peter Church would be the new He is also survived by many hood. ing director of the Holy Name cathedral for the diocese. nieces and nephews, his broth- Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill Society, head of the Diocesan He was the first bishop in the er priests and the Catholic laity was born Dec. 14, 1917, in East Commission on Sacred Music, United States to use the new he served. He was preceded Dubuque to Leslie J. and Clara and a judge and notary of the rite for the communal anoint- in death by his parents, sisters (Runde) O’Neill. then-“diocesan matrimonial ing of the sick. Bishop Emeritus Ruth, Lois and brother Earl. He attended St. Mary School court” (now the Diocesan Tri- He established a vocation Arthur J. O’Neill Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., in East Dubuque, East Dubuque bunal). commission, a Diocesan Board Advisory Council. Thursday, May 2, 2013, at Ca- High School (1931-32) and Lo- In 1963 he was named a Pa- of Pastoral Mediation and Ar- In the Rockford Diocese he thedral of St. Peter in Rockford ras Academy in Dubuque, Iowa pal Chamberlain with the title bitration, a Spanish Speak- established an Office of Com- with the Office of the Dead at (1932-35). of Very Reverend Monsignor. ing Apostolate (now Office for munications and a weekly tele- 7:30 p.m. He began college studies at Pope Paul VI appointed Hispanic Ministry), called for a vision Mass for shut-ins. Mass of Christian Burial will Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, Msgr. O’Neill to be the Bishop Pastoral Synod in 1974, estab- He reorganized the admin- be Friday, May 3 at 11 a.m. and continued at St. Mary’s of Rockford Aug. 19, 1968. He lished the Diocesan Services istrative structure of the dio- at Cathedral of St. Peter with Seminary in Baltimore, Md., was the first native born priest Program (now Diocesan Stew- cese dividing diocesan life Most Rev. David J. Malloy, (1937-1939) and completed his of the diocese to serve also as ardship Appeal) to fund dioc- into vicariates, established St. Bishop of Rockford as the main seminary studies there in 1943. its bishop. esan apostolates and programs, Anne Nursing Center, St. Anne celebrant and homilist. He was ordained to the priest- He chose as his episcopal established the Diocesan Invest- Place (now known as Siena on Interment will be at St. hood by Bishop John J. Boylan motto, Ut Omnes Unum Sint ment and Loan program and Brendenwood) and St. Vincent Mary-St. James Cemetery in on March 27, 1943, at St. James (That All May Be One). He the Catholic Foundation for the Home for the Aged in Freeport. Rockford. Arrangements are Pro-Cathedral in Rockford. was ordained and installed as People of the Rockford Diocese. Bishop O’Neill ordained the being completed by Fitzgerald He served as an associate at the seventh Bishop of Rock- Bishop O’Neill served diocese’s first class of perma- Funeral Home. St. James Parish in Rockford ford on Oct. 11, 1968. He was the United States Confer- nent deacons in 1975. In lieu of flowers, at the re- (1943-1954) then became edi- the first Bishop of Rockford ence of Catholic bishops as He established Vianney Oaks quest of the family, memorials tor of The Observer diocesan ordained using the new rite a member of the Communi- retirement home for priests, may be made to the Diocesan newspaper, remaining in that established during the Second cations Committee and as a and broke ground for the New Stewardship Appeal, founded position until 1968. Vatican Council. member of the United States Aurora Central Catholic High by Bishop O’Neill in 1975. Urges Stewardship Response One of Bishop O’Neill’s final ef- forts for the Church of Rockford was to talk about the impor- tance of contributions in the 2013 Stewardship Appeal video (left), which was seen in many parishes April 26 and 27. He started the campaign in 1975 (below) as the Diocesan Services Program.

(Photo from 2013 Stewardship Video) After consulting with the newly appointed vicars for various aspects of church life, we decided to try to get the people to respond to the needs of the diocese, to see themselves not only as a member of a given parish, but to get them to relate to the larger church — the diocese. And beyond that the largest circle — the universal church. And the best way to know that you are doing that is to support it financially, so we started what was called at that time the Diocesan Services Program. ... DSP did get the people involved, at least interested, in the life of the diocese; such as the education of our seminarians, the work of Catholic Charities, the care of the retired priests and all those things that were now, not just taken out of a tax fund, but became the result of their personal contribution. — Bishop O’Neill, in 2007, on his accomplishments as bishop (Observer file photo) 4 FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013 | The Observer

D iocesan Bishops Share Memories on By Amanda Hudson ence last year when Bishop Mal- bad for an old guy.” News editor loy’s appointment as bishop was “There was never a com- announced and that he “was out plaint about (his) situation (or) ROCKFORD—On April 29, and about” last summer. how he was feeling,” Bishop the Catholic Forum radio show “I must say that Bishop Malloy said. He described on WROK 1440AM in Rock- O’Neill was very, very kind Bishop O’Neill’s determina- ford was filled with tributes to always to me when I became tion to join in last December’s the late Bishop Emeritus Ar- a bishop,” Bishop Doran said. blessing of a new statue in front thur J. O’Neill as Bishop David “He never interfered, but he was of Cor Mariae Center on a cold, J. Malloy and Bishop Emeritus (willing) to be a consultant … Thomas G. Doran shared mem- blustery day. Up until the last couple of years, “So out he came,” Bishop ories of, and gratitude for, him. he was always willing to help Penny Wiegert, diocesan di- Malloy said, adding that he out” whenever there was a need. “was glad to be there and be rector of communications, be- Asked about words of wis- gan the show by asking Bishop part of it (with) no complaints dom, he recalled a quote used Doran when he first met Bishop about the cold weather.” by Bishop O’Neill — “If you O’Neill. Bishop Doran, who also saw want to beat a dog, you can al- “I’ve known Bishop O’Neill Bishop O’Neill that Tuesday ways find a stick” — in refer- for 70 years,” Bishop Doran before he died, noted that in his ence to critics. “People can al- said. “I met him when I was (Observer file photo) meeting, “there was no trace ways find a reason (to criticize in the first grade at St. James Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. O’Neill (left) and Bishop Emeritus Thomas of forgetfulness. He knew who you) if they’re mad at you,” he School.” G. Doran (right) attend the introduction of Bishop David J. Malloy at a I was, asked a lot of questions said, reflecting on the “difficult The newly ordained Father press conference, March 20, 2012, in Rockford. (and) we were talking about our times” that Bishop O’Neill “ne- O’Neill was ailing when he days together at St. James … he arrived at the parish, so Sister gotiated us through,” includ- almost a childlike enthusiasm number of times, people have ing the aftermath of the Sec- was not at all preoccupied with Seraphina warned her first- … he had given himself to this come up and talked about their his aches and pains. I thought graders “to be very quiet so he ond Vatican Council. Vatican diocese, and that showed itself appreciation and memories of” II, Bishop Doran said, “was that was great.” could regain his health,” Bish- even in his aging years. He Bishop O’Neill, leaving him Reflecting on Bishop op Doran recalled, adding that a great event in the Church was nothing but gracious every with an “overwhelming sense (and) an outpouring of the Holy O’Neill’s legacy in the Dio- the future bishop “was an influ- time I went to see him.” of real love that they bring for- cese of Rockford, the two ence on all our lives … he was Spirit. (But) as with all things Bishop Malloy agreed with ward in talking about the bish- bishops spoke of the annual a valued friend in my years of … change was difficult. He Bishop Doran about crediting op.” Stewardship Appeal, which priesthood (and) our lives were seemed very able to negotiate Bishop O’Neill for the relative- Hearing last week that Bish- intertwined in that way for sev- all that without a lot of excite- ly smooth transitions made af- op O’Neill wasn’t doing so Bishop O’Neill instituted. A en decades.” ment” and extra upheaval, “so ter the Second Vatican Council. well, Bishop Malloy went to video about this year’s appeal Bishop Doran noted that the we came through it well.” He called the “sense of stabil- see him on Tuesday. features all three bishops, and death of Bishop Loras T. Lane, Bishop Malloy said that Bish- ity” a “great legacy” to Bishop “He was in his room and was it was shown at many par- whom he had served as secre- op O’Neill was “nothing but a O’Neill’s leadership, adding just sitting in one of those lounge ishes the weekend of Bishop tary, was “a great disruption,” gift from my standpoint. When that for some dioceses, those chairs … as he reached out to O’Neill’s death. and that Bishop O’Neill had a I went to see him on any occa- “very challenging years” didn’t shake hands, he had his rosary “The one thing you keep in “more normal” process of re- sion, he was always very, very go so well. in his hand,” Bishop Malloy mind, all of us as Catholics re- tirement from the office. He re- kind, upbeat and enthusiastic In traveling the diocese dur- said, adding that when he asked ceive something that has been called that Bishop O’Neill had (and) asking questions (about ing his first year as bishop, how he was, Bishop O’Neill told passed on to us, and we have been a part of the press confer- happenings in the diocese) with Bishop Malloy said that “a him, “I’m a little tired, but not an obligation to appreciate, to In His Name

Bishop O’Neill Scholarships, Catechetical Awards

ABOVE: Bishop O’Neill 2012 (Observer file photos) scholars, with Michael Kagan After receiving their awards on Dec. 14, 2012, which was Bishop O’Neill’s (back left), diocesan superinten- 95th birthday, the students who received O’Neill Scholarships signed a dent of schools, and Margo Shifo card for him. Michael Kagan (left) delivered it later that day. (back right), assistant superinten- dent, are (front, from left) Jerren Gille, Violet Widolff, Geren Staple- LEFT: Arlene Squazzo was among 2012 recipients of the Bishop O’Neill ton, (middle) Olivia Gille, Madison Award in Catechetics.The annual award, presented by the Diocesan Gille, Kelsey Nixon, Cortney Kriens, Education office, honors parish catechists “for outstanding service to (back) Ryan Callahan, Adrian and the World of God through religious education programs.” It is among Danny Alvarez, and Farrah Sands. the highest honors given to catechists in the Rockford Diocese. These students are the most re- cent recipients of tuition scholar- ships named in honor of Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill. The fund was es- tablished in 1993. The Observer | FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013 5

Diocesan ‘Catholic Forum’ Radio Show venerate that (and to pass it on),” heart of the reality of the stew- Bishop Malloy said. “We’re al- ardship appeal (beyond) the ways building on foundations bureaucratic funding, beyond that others have laid.” The the necessary programs … and spiritual foundation laid down how much of that (goes back to) by his predecessors, he added, Bishop O’Neill.” “is reflected in the vibrancy of The social upheavals and the faith, and the receptivity of challenges that “really rocked the faithful. That’s the kind of American society” during thing I’m very conscious of.” Bishop O’Neill’s term of of- The stewardship video, he fice, Bishop Malloy said, has said, shows that “we’re not peo- been “impacting our spiritual ple whose faith is very momen- and, in a particular way, our tary,” but are part of a faith that family lives … It is greatly continues through the decades to his credit that he kept ev- and centuries. eryone on the same page (and Asked if he thought Bishop those benefits have) passed on O’Neill was “ahead of the to Bishop Doran and, frank- curve” in initiating the stew- ly, to me, and I’m very, very ardship appeal, Bishop Doran grateful for that.” agreed. Noting that the diocese was “I came in on (the appeal) already receiving calls, Wieg- when it was rather new,” he ert asked the bishops for their said. “I inherited it. After suggestions about what people checking it out, I left it alone. might do to pay their respects. It has proven (to be) good even Bishop Malloy began by ask- in times of economic turmoil ing for prayers, saying that “as … that whole program, it still Catholics, we are to pray for the is worth carrying out. It funds (Observer file photo, undated) dead … that’s a real duty for us, As Bishop O’Neill blesses a building, then-Father Thomas Doran (partially obscured) accompanies him. a surprising number of services and something I would encour- to people in the pews.” age everyone to do … I would person who has left us.” who had been away from the thing to watch and stand at a “One thing that really per- really urge that kind of prayer. Wiegert mentioned the Bish- Church for many years. She distance,” he added, but are sonalized (the video) was Don’t forget to be praying (for op O’Neill Scholarship Fund told him that while watching events when we can discover the appearance by seminar- those who have died) constant- for Catholic school students the funeral Mass for Pope John “graces at work.” ian Kyle Manno, talking about ly. It’s a part of who and what and the Bishop O’Neill Endow- Paul II, at a moment when the “I hope that’s the kind of what (support of his education) we are.” ment for The Observer, where wind turned pages of the Bible thing we see this week” with meant to him as a seminarian,” “What Bishop Malloy said he was editor or publisher for atop the casket, she broke down Bishop O’Neill’s passing, he Bishop Malloy said. “What is true in every possible way,” 40 years, as good options for in tears and realized she had to said. we’re talking about is … this Bishop Doran echoed. “Pray those wishing to honor Bishop return to the Catholic faith. is really a spiritual activity … for us (bishops), recommend us O’Neill. “She has come back, you To listen to the entire show, go to those (ministries) all bear out to God. That’s what we do at a Bishop Malloy ended the ra- could say, with a vengeance,” http://observer.rockforddiocese. their fruit in the spiritual life funeral; it’s the last suffrage of dio show by sharing a conver- the bishop said with a laugh. org. Click on Bishop Malloy and of individuals. That is at the the Church publically for this sation he had with a woman Funerals are “not just some- then on Catholic Forum.

RIGHT: Father O’Neill (left), then pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Freeport, breaks ground for an addition to Aquin Central Catholic High School on Aug. 30, 1959. Looking on is Msgr. Charles F. Conley, the first priest ordained (Photo provided) for the Rockford Diocese (in Parish Center 1909) and the first superinten- At St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Freeport, the community hall (left) at dent of the Freeport Catholic the parish is named in honor of former pastor, Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill. high school.

(Observer file photo) Bishop O’Neill Endowment for The Observer Bishop O’Neill was editor or publisher of The Observer for 40 years. This endowment continues his legacy of the Catholic Press in the Rockford Diocese. (Observer file photo) 6 FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013 | The Observer

Diocesan In Celebration

Newly ordained Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill stands with his mother, Clara, and his father, Lee. His sis- ters and a sister-in-law also at- tended the ceremony.

Archbishop Luigi Raimondi places the miter on Bishop O’Neill’s head during his episcopal ordination. Standing behind Bishop O’Neill is future- Bishop Thomas G. Doran.

(Observer file photos) The diocese’s 75th jubilee cel- ebration in 1983 brought clergy, religious and laity from across the diocese to a Mass to celebrate. Before the jubilee Mass, Bishop O’Neill visits with Benedictine Ab- bot David Cyr of Marmion Abbey in Aurora and then-Archbishop Pio Laghi, the apostolic delegate to the U.S. at that time. Archbish- op Laghi was later named a car- dinal. The crosier Bishop O’Neill holds was given to him by Abbot Cyr on behalf of the Benedictine monks, who made it from a tree they had grown.

LEFT: Bishop Loras T. Lane (seated, right) invests Msgr. O’Neill as a papal chamberlain, Feb. 10, 1963, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Freeport. The honor was given to him by Pope John XXIII. Five years later, Pope Paul VI would select Msgr. O’Neill to become the seventh Bishop of Rockford.

A portion of the front page of The Observer on the day of Bishop O’Neill’s ordination includes photos of Archbishop Luigi Raimondi (top), apostolic delegate to the United States in 1968, and Cardinal John Cody of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

RIGHT: After Vatican II, the permanent diaconate was reinstituted throughout the Church. Bishop O’Neill (front, center) ordained the first class of permanent deacons in 1975. The Observer | FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013 7

Diocesan

Bishop O’Neill (third from left) takes part in a service commemorating a covenant between the diocesan Catholic Church and the Illinois Syn- od of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. On Sept. 29, 1991, the covenant was commissioned between the Rockford Diocese and the Synod. The completed covenant was signed at St. Peter Cathedral on Pentecost, June 6, 1992.

(Bishop Muldoon) traveled by train. I do remember Bishop Muldoon very well. He came out from Chicago. He was an auxiliary bishop there and was appointed to Rockford in 1908. I Cardinal Joseph Bernardin (seated) listens to Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill, October 11, 1993, during a Jubilee don’t remember that, but in the 1920s I was in Mass at the Metro Center (now BMO Harris Center) in Rockford. The Mass marked Bishop O’Neill’s 50th year second grade and Bishop Peter Muldoon came out as a priest and his 25th year as bishop, as well as the 85th year of the Diocese of Rockford. to East Dubuque to dedicate our new school and You have exhibited outstanding zeal in fulfilling the responsibilities as the that was the beginning of my Catholic education. pastor of the diocese entrusted to you. I remember that Bishop Muldoon looked so tall. I thought he was such a big man. I guess he was — Pope John Paul II, 1993, on the occasion of Bishop O’Neill’s 25th year as bishop average size but to me he looked very tall. I do remember in grade school hearing that he had died. Very shortly Bishop Hoban came out to our school in East Dubuque after he became the bishop and we were his first confirmation class after he became Bishop of Rockford. I was ordained in March of 1943 to the priesthood with three other friends. Bishop Boylan came to Rockford in February and we were his first ordination class after he became bishop. Bishop Hillinger appointed me the first editor of The Observer, my first big job and Bishop Lane appointed me the pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Freeport and then asked me to come to St. Peter (in Rockford) in 1967. Little did I think Bishop O’Neill (right) joins Bishop Doran at the Mass opening the diocesan centennial year, Sept. 23, 2007. that I would succeed him. Thousands gathered at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center for the celebration. Each bishop, I have some personal recognition of in addition from his overall impact on the church.

— Bishop O’Neill, 1998, recollections of Rockford bishops in an interview for the Rockford Diocese’s 90th anniversary

(Observer file photos) Bishop O’Neill (front) was among celebrants at the closing Mass of the diocesan centennial year at Cathe- Bishop O’Neill (left) participates in the episcopal ordination of Bishop dral of St. Peter in Rockford on Sept. 23, 2008. Behind him is Msgr. Thomas Brady, vicar general of the diocese Thomas G. Doran, June 24, 1994. at that time. 8 FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013 | The Observer

Diocesan As Priest Bishop O’Neill Was Professional Communicator On April 7, 1954, Father Ar- thur O’Neill was named assis- tant editor of The Observer. At this time The Observer offices were moved from Freeport to Rockford, where they were housed in the Catholic Center, at 839 N. Main St., in rooms above the Catholic Charities offices. The diocesan newspaper was an integral part of Bishop O’Neill’s priesthood. He was editor from 1954 until 1968 when he was appointed Bishop of Rockford, immediately be- coming publisher. He contin- ued working closely with the (Observer file photos) Father Arthur O’Neill was or- staff until his retirement. As a young priest, Father O’Neill (left) traveled to the Holy Land in 1950 with two other priests. With him are dained by Bishop John J. Boylan He continued his support of Archbishop Leo Binz (center) and Msgr. Joseph Healey. Archbishop Binz, a native of Stockton in Jo Daviess in Rockford on March 27, 1943. He communication efforts in the County, was the first priest of the Rockford Diocese to be named a bishop when he became coadjutor and marked his 70th year as a priest Rockford Diocese and, in 2007, apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Winona (Minn.) in 1942. He also served as Bishop of Dubuque this spring. lent his name to an endowment (Iowa) and Archbishop of St. Paul. fund to help future bishops continue to reach and teach di- ocesan Catholics through The I don’t know if you have noticed that little chalice Observer, both in print and on I had at the altar. That was a gift from my mother the Internet. and father. It’s been my sacred cup for almost 50 He remained part of the Catholic Press Association of years, most of my years in the diocese. But it’s the United States and Canada more than a gift from them, it’s a symbol of what until his death, having been family means to me and to all priests. ... voted an honorary member by its board of directors. Sources: diocesan history; The This ring I have on, it’s really old-fashioned. It’s Observer, Dec. 14, 2007 not a modern style. But it’s the ring that Bishop Boylan wore when I, as a very young man, was ordained to the priesthood on March 27, 1943. ... But this ring reminds me of the relationship between bishop and priests. ...

You can’t see it, but I have on a cross that a bishop Penny Wiegert (left) presents a wears when he celebrates the liturgy. ... That cross check to Bishop O’Neill to open the Bishop O’Neill Observer En- came from Dubuque, Iowa, with Bishop Lane ... . At a Memorial Day Mass at St. Mary-St. James Cemetery in Rockford, dowment as Dr. Owen Phelps Bishop Boylan (right) accompanied by Monsignor Louis J. Franey, pass- looks on. Wiegert is the current Did you notice the strange miter that I had? ... It es by while a young Father Arthur J. O’Neill (under canopy) looks on. and Phelps the former diocesan was given to me by those young men who were Bishop O’Neill will be buried near Bishop Boylan at that cemetery. director of communications. eager for ordination when I became bishop. This vestment ... I wore this when I was consecrated to bishop. ... I’ve got a bond, a special bond, with the See of Peter. This pastoral staff which I carry also has another significance. ... It, at one time, was a flourishing walnut tree in the Barbian Garden in Aurora. (The Benedictine Monks) presented this beautiful hand-crafted gift to me on my 15th anniversary as a bishop. ... It bespeaks ... a very, very healthy relationship between religious communities. ... (W)hatever is done by any one person actually has to be done by everyone pulling together, and that is the reason why we are indeed so grateful and so happy today.” Four auxiliary bishops traveled from Chicago to join priests of the Diocese of Rockford in honoring Bishop — Bishop O’Neill, 1993, at his Jubilee Mass marking 25 years as O’Neill at a Nov. 29, 2007, dinner. They were Bishop Francis Kane, Bishop Joseph Perry, Bishop Raymond bishop and 50 years as priest Goedert and Bishop Timothy Lyne. Applauding Bishop O’Neill (seated) at the head table were (from left) visting Bishops Lyne and Kane; Bishop Thomas G. Doran of Rockford, Msgr. Thomas G. Brady of Rockford, and visiting Bishop Goedert. (Bishop Perry was just outside of the photo frame.) The Observer | FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013 9

Diocesan With Family, Friends

Email Being a Catholic is a special gift from God to Dr. Owen Phelps: This is a follow the path of Jesus Christ for your eternal huge loss for so many. He be- friended and served members salvation. It is meant to be for you. It is not of my family from his first as- something that is going to be taken away from you signment at St. James so many years ago through his stay at or that was never offered to you. It is offered to Siena On Brendenwood after everyone. It simply means a faith in Jesus Christ his retirement — five genera- tions in all. He brought me into as our redeemer and savior and in the gifts that diocesan ministry, person- he gave us in the life of the Church — the holy ally nurtured me as my boss for more than a decade, and sacraments; in the teachings of the Church, the served as my friend and men- guidance of the Church in our lives; and the call tor for 30 years. My only con- solation is that I’m confident he to share the faith with others. There are those is enjoying a marvelous eternal three dimensions — to have the sanctity of the reward his Father has happily prepared for him. sacraments and of prayer, to have instruction of Bernadette Furon: On May 13, the mind for deep belief and then the energy to go 1983, Bishop O’Neill consecrat- (Observer file photo) out and share it with others. It can’t just be “I’m ed the Diocese of Rockford to Young Arthur Joseph O’Neill holds his eighth-grade diploma. He also the Immaculate Heart of Mary wears an award ribbon on his lapel. very holy because God has blessed me.” I must at a Mass at the Cathedral of also fill my mind with the depths of truths that St. Peter. On May 14, a per- petual rosary began in Blessed Jesus taught us and then go out and share that. It Sacrament Chapel there. is what I call the vertical dimension of faith. On May 18, 19 and 20, at St. Mary Church in Rockford, peo- — Bishop O’Neill, 2007, on being Catholic ple gathered to learn how to make rosaries from a group of Rosary Makers who came from Virginia to train them at the in- vitation of Augustinian Father Robert Lawrence. Father Law- rence served as the first spiri- tual director of the Rockford Di- ocese group of Rosary Makers, which was a diocesan aposto- late dedicated to the Immacu- late Heart of Mary in prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. This year that group of Rosary Makers celebrates 30 years (Observer file photo) (Photo provided/Father Ricardo Hernandez) of making a total of more than Three seminarians, including Arthur J. O’Neill (left), take a break after Bishop O’Neill and his sister, Sister Helen O’Neill, OP, share an evening 700,000 rosaries to date. The a set of tennis. meal while on a family vacation. rosaries have been distributed in this diocese and around the world. Bishop O’Neill became spiritual director for the group after Father Lawrence’s death. The group now gathers to make rosaries and pray together once a year. Other groups that meet more frequently are centered in parishes in different parts of the diocese. Facebook Posts Mary Yager: We have simul- taneously lost and gained a wonderful man, a devout and faithful priest, and an inspi- rational leader. It makes this (Observer file photo) year’s filmed DSA message Bishop O’Neill’s home parish was even more precious. We will St. Mary in East Dubuque. Family miss you more than words can members still live in the area. say! Gricelda Garcia: I was think- ing about the same video very inspiring God Bless our priest, religious men and women, bish- ops and our pope. (Observer file photo) Family members gathered in Dubuque, Iowa, in October, 2007, for a reunion that included a cake for an Sarah Henschel: He will be early celebration of Bishop O’Neill’s 90th birthday. He opened the gathering by saying Mass. missed. 10 FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013 | The Observer

Diocesan A Man of I think for every bishop and every The People priest the greatest joy comes from being the Facebook Posts celebrant of the sacred Julie Petit Schwartz: Bishop liturgy, to celebrate O’Neill confirmed and gave my husband and I our high school the sacraments for the diplomas. He knew my grand- people, particularly parents and my Uncle Father Ed Petit very well. Every time the sacrament of holy we saw him over the next 20 orders. I truly enjoyed years, he called Matt and I by name. A few years ago my hus- the sacrament of band would drive him home from a few places. They would confirmation around chat about life and he told Matt the diocese and going to bring his family by his place sometime. One afternoon he (Observer file photos) to the parishes and called and asked why we hadn’t For many years, I had the habit of collecting clowns. I had read seeing all the young stopped by. We packed up our somewhere that Jesus in his great silence resembled clowns in the great kids (7, 5, and 4) at the time people, the future of and went over to St. Anne’s. courts who were silent (in their actions). Bishop O’Neill met us in the the Church, you have — Bishop O’Neill, 2009, on his favorite temporal things hallway and our kids went run- to say. People come ning ahead to him. He opened his arms wide, embracing our up to me and say, youngest saying “This must be “Oh, you confirmed Dominic.” He was the kindest, most sincere and genuine man me,” and I say “I I have ever met. A true servant of Christ! did? I don’t remember Amy Clemen: Bishop O’Neill it.” As I look over gave me my confirmation in my old appointment 1990. What I remember was the kindness of his face and books, I know I had humbleness of his spirit. the sacrament of Bonnie Bea Olesen: Bishop O’Neill will be missed by so confirmation in those many! Our travel group to the Holy Land will never forget how 25 years 1,650 times, he outwalked most of us, who maybe 1,655. Many were much younger than he. Bishop made the trip so memo- celebrations — some rable. My grandsons, John Kla- were large, some were dar (a Rockford Seminarian) and his cousins Joseph and small, but I really Alex Rose, still talk about time with him, his great friendliness, enjoyed them actually. wit and intelligence and clown — Bishop O’Neill, 2007, on his collection! RIP servant of God. John and Bonnie Olesen Bishop O’Neill tosses the tip-off at a Rockford Lightning “Catholic Night” game, March 17, 2002. greatest joy as a bishop A Man of Letters Taken from the (Second Vatican) Council’s Constitution on the Church, this outline was the unique idea of Bishop Arthur J. O’Neill. He felt that this history should reflect the Council’s renewed understanding of the Church as it is illustrated in the outline of the Constitution on the Church. This is why the chapter titles of this history correspond to the chapter titles of the Constitution on the Church. The title THAT ALL MAY BE ONE, taken from Christ’s priestly prayer (John 17:21) not only reflects the personal motto of Bishop O’Neill but also recalls one of the Second Vatican Council’s principal objectives which the whole Church must strive to accomplish. — Father Robert R. Miller in the Preface to That All May Be One, the 1976 bicentennial history of the Rockford Diocese Bishop O’Neill (front, right) re- ceives an honorary doctor of let- RIGHT: Father Robert R. Miller (left) presents the first copy of That All May Be One, the 1976 bi- ters degree at Loras College com- centennial history of the Rockford Diocese, to Bishop O’Neill. Father Miller was the author of the mencement, May 17, 1970. volume and Bishop O’Neill wrote the forward.

We mourn and pray for our editor, our publisher, our friend, Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. O’Neill.

(Observer photo) The Observer | FRIDAY MAY 3, 2013 11

Diocesan

Stewardship Moment What’s UP Disciple’s opportunity: While our daily lives may have about Wed May 8 them a certain “sameness,” still every moment is creative AURORA by how we experience and re- Fair: 5-8 p.m.; St. Joseph School gym, 706 High St. in Aurora. Crafts and vendors. spond to each new moment. Within every moment of every For other activities in the upcoming week, check the Summer Save the day God is about His creative Date list in the April 26 issue of The Observer or the calendar at www.rockforddiocese.org. activity and is presenting us with occasions for discipleship. It is our responsibility to use time wisely, dedicating some Coming Soon in The Observer part of it to apostolic activity. Seasoned Observer and other items that normally run in the fi rst Courtesy of Parish Publications issue of the month will also be postponed until the May 10 issue. “Stewardship” newsletter Please refer to Summer Save the Date in the April 26 issue for upcoming events in the next week. What’s Up will resume May Mass Meditation 10.

May 5 (6th Easter): The read- If you or anyone you know Daily Scripture readings ing from Revelation offers a vi- has been a victim of sexual are published in the Prayer sion of the City of God, the new abuse by any member of a Request and Scripture Reading Jerusalem. “But,” the bishop’s diocesan clergy, religious, Calendar in The Observer in pastoral on stewardship re- the last issue of the month, and church employee or volun- are available on line at http:// minds us, “that ‘life to come’ is teer, fi rst call the police, then in continuity with this present observer.rockforddiocese.org please call the diocesan hot- by clicking on Daily Scripture life through the human goods, line at 815/962-9347. Readings for lists and podcasts. the worthy human purposes, which people foster now.” Courtesy of Sharon Hueckel Watch ‘Catholic Mass’ Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on WREX-TV, Channel 13 in Rockford or you can watch on the Web at Newspapers • Catalogs • Mail Service http://observer.rockforddiocese.org. Business Cards • Magazines • Brochures Parish offi ces may forward death and wedding information Brought to you by The Diocesan O ce of 815-758-5484 Communications and Publications using forms at http://observer.rockforddiocese.org/contact-us. 121 Industrial Drive • DeKalb, IL 60115

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Diocesan With Popes

(Observer fi le photos) Bishop O’Neill met with Pope John Paul II on Dec. 10, 1988, (above) and earlier for ad limina visits. The visits, Bishop O’Neill met with Pope Paul VI in 1974. It was Pope Paul who ap- scheduled every fi ve years, give bishops from around the world an opportunity to report to the pope about pointed Bishop O’Neill to head the Rockford Diocese in 1968. the life of the diocesan church, its parishes and activities.

Facebook Posts Joseph Schneider: Every Easter, my great uncle, Bishop O’Neill Our work doesn’t stop would say Mass in my grandma’s living room. I was lucky enough to “altar serve” for him once or twice. As little kids, we were always when you go home. so happy that Easter Sunday Mass was only a few feet away from our Easter baskets. My aunts and uncles were the eucharistic min- isters, and some of my older cousins led the singing. Everyone was involved. Even after retiring, Bishop O’Neill managed to pull our entire family together through the most sacred form of worship that we have as Catholics, the Mass. Lisa Bales: I remember Bishop O’Neill being at our home and When it comes to taking care of your family, OSF HealthCare telling my dad to get off his knee and not kiss his ring. He said he has been there. When your family needs help in their home, was just a man like any other man. He was such a humble man of the people. let OSF Home Care Services continue that care. Rita Kennedy Zienty: Jesus, remember him, when you come into your kingdom. Keep your loved ones safe and comfortable with: • home health, including rehabilitation therapy, wound care and disease management • hospice • home medical equipment, including CPAP, oxygen, walkers, hospital beds & much more • personal response systems • diabetes supplies • home infusion pharmacy

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(Photo provided/Father Ricardo Hernandez) Bishop O’Neill watches the waves on a retirement vacation.