August 31, 2009, marks the 17th anniversary of the death of Bishop Cletus F. O'Donnell.
Bishop O'Donnell served as second Bishop of Madison for 25 years (1967-1992) steering our local Church through the many changes of the Second Vatican Council. Our records show that he ordained more than 80 priests of the Diocese, many of whom are still active. Most of these priests still have great affection for Bishop O'Donnell and Bishop O'Donnell's influence lives to this day.
He attended the Second Vatican Council as an auxiliary bishop of Chicago. His episcopal motto was In Spem Vitae Aeternae (In the hope of life everlasting). The chapel of the Bishop O'Connor Catholic Pastoral Center bears his name--the Bishop O'Donnell Holy Name Memorial Chapel. He is buried at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison.
Almighty and merciful God,Photo courtesy of the Madison Catholic Herald
eternal Shepherd of your people,
listen to our prayers
and grant that your servant, Cletus, our bishop,
to whom you entrusted the care of this Church,
may enter the joy of his eternal Master,
there to receive the rich reward of his labors.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
From the Order of Christian Funerals
I have fond memories of Bishop O'Donnell especially during my years attending Holy Name Seminary - He lived on the back side of the building. Often he would go for walks in the morning, several of us would run out and walk with him. Sr. Villinova, who took care of him, asked me and a guy named Scott to set up his Nativity set for Christmas in his office in 1980. I seem to remember it had many pieces to it. He spoke eloquently and I remember he was very proud of his priests and of the Seminary. I pray that he rests in peace. He was a blessing in my life and in the lives of so many others too. Saint Raphael, pray for us!
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