Obituary of Monsignor Vincent Denis O'Donohue

O'DONOHUE, Reverend Monsignor Vincent Denis Msgr. Vincent O'Donohue died peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2013, at Tufford Manor, St. Catharines at age 87. He was predeceased by his parents Eugene and Josephine. Loving brother of the late Jack (Marie), the late Melville (Gloria), the late Frank, Alma Kealy (Art), Rita Markle (Basil), the late Bernadette Ferguson (Robert), Marie Lehman (Paul). Loving uncle of numerous nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. Msgr. O' Donohue was born and educated in Toronto and ordained a Roman Catholic priest June 1, 1951, at St. Michael's Cathedral, Toronto, by the late Cardinal McQuigan. He spent the past 60 years of his priestly ministry serving the faithful in the Niagara region. For eight years before the Diocese of St. Catharines was formed in 1958, he was the assistant pastor at St. Catherine, St. Catharines, (later named the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria). Msgr. O'Donohue was instrumental in several aspects of getting the newly formed diocese organized. Over the years he worked diligently with Bishop Thomas McCarthy, Bishop Thomas Fulton, Bishop John O' Mara and Bishop James Wingle in numerous roles of administration, be it consultor, chancellor, vicar general, episcopal vicar and director of many diocesan organizations. Msgr. O'Donohue was also pastor of five parishes across the diocese (St. Julia, Sacred Heart, St. Alfred, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Thomas More) and is especially known for his role in initiating the building of St. Julia, St. Catharines, a masterpiece of church architecture and art. Whether it be working in a parish, consulting and assisting bishops, organizing large diocesan events, or encouraging his fellow priests and diocesan co-workers, Msgr. O'Donohue has always been greatly appreciated for his gentle, loyal and quiet persuasive manner. During his active years he worked as hard, if not harder than all those he counted on to serve alongside of him. May he rest in peace. The family will receive friends at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Thursday from 6-9 pm with Vigil prayers held at 8:15 pm in the funeral home. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday from 2-4 pm and will continue on Friday evening from 7-9 pm at St. Julia Church, 251 Glenridge Avenue. Vigil prayers will be held at 7 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 7, 2013, at 10 am at St. Julia Church with visitation at the church 1 hour prior to Mass. Interment to follow at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. If desired, donations to the Diocese of St. Catharines or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.