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Joseph P. McFadden HARRISBURG Bishop Joseph P. McFadden, tenth Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg, died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Philadelphia, where he was attending a meeting of the Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania. Bishop McFadden was 65 years old and served as the Bishop of Harrisburg since August 18, 2010. He was born on May 22, 1947, to Thomas and Ellen (Griffin) McFadden in Philadelphia; baptized at St. Rose of Lima Parish, attended Our Lady of Lourdes elementary school and St. Thomas More High School, where he was class valedictorian. In 1969 he graduated from St. Joseph University with a Bachelor of Science degree in politics. As a freshman he played on the college basketball team and during his remaining years in college he coached boys basketball, first at St. Thomas More High School and then at West Catholic High School for Boys, where he joined the faculty after graduation. He also served as Director of Athletics for West Catholic and was a member of the Board of Directors for the Philadelphia Catholic League. In 1976 he entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook, and graduated summa cum laude. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 16, 1981 by Cardinal John Krol of Philadelphia in the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. His first assignment as a priest began in June 1981 as parochial vicar at St. Laurence Parish in Highland Park, Pa. The following year he became Administrative Secretary to Cardinal Krol, a position he held until 1993. On May 29, 1991, he was named as Honorary Prelate to His Holiness Pope John Paul II with the title of Monsignor. In 1993, Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua of Philadelphia appointed him as the first President of Cardinal O'Hara High School in Springfield, Pa. where he worked to establish the school's innovative "Laptops for Learning" program. In 2001, he was assigned as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown, Pa., where he served until his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia in June 2004. He was ordained to the Episcopacy by Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia in the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul on July 28, 2004. On June 22, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him the Tenth Bishop of Harrisburg. His installation took place on August 18, 2010 at St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg Bishop McFadden was a strong advocate for Catholic education, and a tireless promoter of parents' rights to choose the education best suited for their children. He also embraced the use of technology in evangelization, and hosted countless web and video conferences with school students whereby he engaged them through catechesis, question-and-answer sessions, and opportunities for prayer. He served as a member of many organizations including as President of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference; chairman of the United States Bishops' Committee on Catholic Education as well as their Task Force Committee on Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pa and in 2009 became the recipient of the first Shamrock Award presented by the Alumni of St. Thomas More and West Catholic High Schools. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Ellen (Griffin) McFadden, and is survived by his brother, John McFadden and his wife Mary Jo, Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Jane McFadden, and Ellen McConney and her husband Patrick, eight nephews and nieces, and nine great-nephews and nieces. Bishop McFadden's body will be received at St. Patrick Cathedral, 212 State Street, Harrisburg, on Sunday, May 5 at 7 p.m., where he will lie in repose until Tuesday, May 7 at 4 p.m. Solemn Evening Prayer will take place at St. Patrick Cathedral on Monday, May 6 at 7 p.m. The Rite of Transfer of the Body will take place Tuesday, May 7 at 3 p.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral and received at 4 p. m. at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6150 Allentown Blvd. Harrisburg with Solemn Evening Prayer at 7 p.m.The Solemn Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Church, on Wednesday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m. with a public viewing beginning at 9:00 a.m. and end Burial will be in the Bishops' Circle at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4075 Derry Street, Harrisburg. Letters of Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Ellen McConney, 456 Gateswood Drive, West Chester, PA 19380. Contributions in the name of Bishop McFadden may be made to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Harrisburg, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Valenda Newell
November 9, 2016
ONE OF OUR RELATIVES WE NEVER HAD THE HONOR OF MEETING HERE ON EARTH ,MANY BLESSINGS!
LORRAINE DOREEN MCFADDEN ADAMS
November 24, 2014
Just happened to see this today and am in shock! God Bless one of the nicest men I ever knew, so many years ago.
September 8, 2013
Condolences to the McFadden Family. A wonderful Priest, Bishop, and Irishman has been called Home. He will be missed, but never forgotten by all who knew him. One of STM's finest.
Jack Poppert
May 19, 2013
Rest In Peace and May the Light of Jesus Shine on You.
Martha Brunner
May 8, 2013
May 8, 2013
When I think of Bishop McFadden, the term actions speak louder than words comes to mind. He was truly a man of God and a man of action. He was out among the people,with the people for the people of the Diocese of Harrisburg. The good shepherd tending to his flock. I have enjoyed attending diocesan events and always came away more spiritually enriched from them.
He cared deeply about the sanctity of life from the moment of conception to natural death. He was never afraid to speak the truth especially on controversial issues. And he always ended every talk or homily with two things. You pray for me and I will pray for you. AND May Jesus Christ be praised, now and forever! Although he will be missed by many, I know that Bishop McFadden's prayers will remain ever with us as he sings with all the saints in heaven.
Mary
May 8, 2013
Go in peace, to meet our Lord.
Mary Shepler
May 8, 2013
he was the geatest bishop every body ever had and I think people should always pray for him what the geatest bishop I ever had and people like him better
Shyla Washington
May 8, 2013
i loved you bishop.
Amyha Mitchell
May 8, 2013
I am sorry that you lost your best family member.
Maya Parson
May 8, 2013
Hope you are safe in heaven.May you be watched by God.God bless you.
Hailee Fagan
May 8, 2013
bishoop you where so good to us.we really miss you.we will pray for you.we will see you in heaven.have fun in heaven .
ana-paola gutshall
May 8, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss the Mcfadden family.
Alayra Santiago
May 8, 2013
Hope you are safe in heaven.May he watch over you.God bless you.
Hailee Fagan
May 8, 2013
i am so sorry for your lost
yavi arter
May 8, 2013
thank you for bing our bishop
diego godinez
May 8, 2013
The mcfadden family I am sorry for your loss but we love you.
Jayle Pollard
May 8, 2013
Im so sorry for your loss.You were a GREAT leader.I adore you.
Cory Keller
May 8, 2013
i hope you rest in peace with God
christian Rodrigez
May 8, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss.
kanye folks
May 8, 2013
I only got to meet Bisup McFadden 3 times,and I wish i could of seen him a lot more.He was a great bisup,I wish he was still here. God rest his soul.
Francesse Rivera
May 8, 2013
rIm so sorry for every one who has to deal with the grief of loosing a loved one.Not only was he loved he but cared about his family,friends.But he will always have being beloved by every one.
Olivia Fleming
May 8, 2013
Hope you feel better. Thank you for all you do for us Bishop McFadden .We LLOVE you all.Thank you Bishop.......
Justiane Thornton
May 8, 2013
I never got to see BISHOP before and he is in a Better place in heave with Christ our LORD.
JASLYNN GORNIK
May 8, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss.you were a great leader.
Michelle Morehead
May 8, 2013
I hope you feel better I love you Bishop McFadden R.I.P.
Iyahn James-Wynne
May 8, 2013
Sincere sympathy at the loss of a shepherd, friend and leader. May he rest in peace.
Sister Mary Thomas
May 8, 2013
Dear Family of Bishop Joseph McFadden. Our family was shocked to hear of the death of your dear Brother, (family member) Bishop Joseph Patrick McFadden. Our family here in the United States and also in Italy would like to convey our deepest words of sympathy. Our family Romano like you stem from our dear Vescovo (Bishop) Ambrogio Romano. Once again, thank you for sharing him with us here in the Diocese of Harrisburg. May God bless and keep you. May Bishop Joseph McFadden soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace. Sincerely, Mary Romano Baranowski
May 7, 2013
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE MCFADDEN FAMILY,FRIENDS,&ALL WHO KNEW BISHOP MCFADDEN.
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
May 7, 2013
McFadden Family, Friends & Parishoners,
Our heartfelt prayers and condolences goes out to everyone. May you find love and comfort within each other and peace and faith within God. May he rest in peace. God Bless you all.
Teresa & Gerard McCullough
Teresa McCullough
May 7, 2013
Good and Faithful Servant to Our Lord, RIP+
Finley Family
May 6, 2013
I had the pleasure of listening to Bishop McFadden speak at my son's confirmation a few years back. What a wonderful and engaging man, a true disciple of Christ. Condolences to his family one can only imagine their loss.
May 6, 2013
May his soul rest in the Risen Lord.
I remember Joe when I was a college seminarian at St. Charles Seminary (Overbrook) in the early 1980's. As he served Cardinal Krol as Priest/Secretary, Joe always took the time and effort to reach out to me and offer me encouragement and perseverance. He had a gentle and humble soul who loved the Lord and His ministry. Requiescat in pace.
Joseph Stankavage
May 6, 2013
My brother Kenny knew Bishop McFadden from college and also worked at West Catholic and Cardinal O'Hara with him. I remember Kenny smiling when the "Bishop's" name was mentioned in a story. He was a good friend to Kenny and we were honored when Bishop McFadden said the funeral mass for my dear brother.
I find comfort knowing they are together now and sharing some funny stories.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn Ancone Cope
May 6, 2013
I was a teacher and administrator at West Catholic when a young man came to the school. First as a JV basketball coach when Billy Hoy came aboard as the varsity coach. Before long Joe took on coaching JV Baseball as well and when he graduated from St. Joes he became a teacher at the school. Within a couple of years he was both Athletic Director and varsity coach of his beloved basketball. He answered every need that came his way… as he did later when he entered the seminary and was ordained. He served and made all he encountered better people… and was outstanding in all he did. While he will be missed we are all better people for having encountered him on our own life journey.
John O'Neil
May 6, 2013
What a Beautiful difference Joe's life made to all that have had the pleasure of having crossed life's path with such a wonderful and caring person of the Lord who made the differance in the many lives he touched.
To the Family hold close the most cherished memories of Joe a Great Man, Brother, Uncle and friend to all that were lucky to have had loved & respected such fine man of the church he loved.
Jack & Kathy Bradley, Tampa Florida
May 6, 2013
Prayers and condolences to the McFadden family. His smile and devotion will be missed.God has blessed us all for the short time he was with us. The Brady Family
May 6, 2013
I was very sadden by Bishop Mc Fadden's passing I remember him when I ran as an EMT with Marple Ambulance , and we had calls at
O Hara HS , he was always there with the patient consoling and comforting them upon our arrival. God rest his soul, you just never know. He was a good and holy priest.
suzanne monahan
May 6, 2013
Toni Robinson
May 6, 2013
You were an inspiration. Thank you for your service to the Catholic church. Heaven's Gate has opened it's arms to you, rest peacefully in the Lord's great love.
Stefani Crawford
May 6, 2013
Joe you were a GREAT PRIEST AND TEACHER and FRIEND.
You taught me and many others at West Catholic. You will be missed.
tommy shannon
May 6, 2013
Dearest Bishop--
You taught many spiritual lessons while you lived, and for one last time taught us one in the way you died. No one knows the hour when or the circumstances under which Christ will knock on our door. We simply must be ready when he summons us. Thank you for reinforcing that lesson.
--Pat Hendershot
Patricia Hendershot
May 5, 2013
The alumni of Cardinal OHARA, West Catholic and St. tommy More mourn one of their own.
May he rest in heavenly peace.
May 5, 2013
ALL OF US AT THE LADY OF VISITATION IN SHIPPENSBURG ARE SADDEN BY THE GREAT LOST OF OUR BISHOP MAY HE REST IN PEACE
DECHENE FAMILY
May 5, 2013
Bless you Bishop McFadden..you were a wonderful priest .We look up to you .and will always remember your teaching. Sincerly. Judy. Lupi ! family Holy Savior Parish. Linwood. pa
May 5, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Connie Emerson
May 5, 2013
May Our Lord welcome you with open arms!
David A. Burgoyne
May 5, 2013
Dear John, Muffie and Family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am blessed that I had had the opportunity to speak with him several times.
Love,
Arleen
Arleen Van Ornum
May 5, 2013
We will all miss you here at St.Bernard's Parish in NewBloomfield.Father Sharman & all of us prayed for you & your family at Mass this am.You will always be in our thoughts & prayers.R.I.P. with God & his Angels!
Louise Kline
May 5, 2013
Dear John,Muffie and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother and that I never had the pleasure of meeting him. You are in my prayers.
Love,Judi
Judi Griffith
May 5, 2013
Bishop, thank you for your leadership and wisdom, you were my coach, teacher, mentor, and friend. I and my family will miss you. As you always said," I will pray for you please pray me". Rest in Peace, Wishy
Aloysius Martin
May 5, 2013
With deepest sympathy to the McFadden family during your time of grief...God is for you a refuge and strength, A help that is there to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead...(Psalm 62:8).
May 5, 2013
Sincere sympathy on the sudden loss of your dear brother and uncle. May he rest in peace.
Betty Kane
May 5, 2013
PA Nonbelievers would like to express condolences to the the family and friends of Bishop Joseph McFadden of
Harrisburg. Despite our
differences, we respect that he had the courtesy and goodwill to speak
with us, and we are saddened by his passing.
Brian Fields
May 5, 2013
A wonderful priest, shepherd, and a true man of God.
Good night sweet prince; and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
Fred & Prima Anthony
May 5, 2013
Love and prayers in this time of great sorrow. Bishop McFadden was wonderful. Met him at my daughters confirmation 2 yrs ago. What a great loss. May God bless his family and watch over them.
Aggie Coleman
May 5, 2013
What a great loss to the Church. What a compassionate shepherd.
He was good to bishop Sabino Odoki in Arua, Uganda. Bishop will always be remembered . RIP Father Phil
May 4, 2013
It is comforting to know that Jesus, the Ruler of God's Kingdom, is called the “Prince of Peace,” and he will ensure that “to peace there will be no end.”—Isaiah 9:6, 7.
Erica Broadway
May 4, 2013
al guastafeste
May 4, 2013
a tremendous spiritual loss.His holyness was an inspiration to all that he touched. I had the previlage and honor of being associated with him. he will be missed greatly. He is home with our lord and savior.
al guastafeste
May 4, 2013
May the god of comfort you. Happy are those who mourn since they will be comforted Matthew 5:4
A Hogan
May 4, 2013
We loved Bishop McFadden both at Cardinal O'Hara and at Our Lady of Perpetual Help during his times there. What a great and holy man! RIP
Kristin Koder
May 4, 2013
You wonder sometimes why the best are called for so early. Forget the fact that he was a priest, he was the most down to earth person I ever met. A TRUE friend to ANYONE he ever met. God bless you Joe and that's a no brainer.
Don Fredericks
May 4, 2013
I will never forget working for Bishop McFadden at St. Joseph Parish. He will be greatly missed. Always in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol McLain
May 4, 2013
There are priests and then there are incredible priests and Bishop McFadden was not only an incredible priest but a wonderful human being! He will be sorely missed by the millions of his lambs. His family is in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace.
Dan and Brenda Zak
Brenda Zak
May 4, 2013
Farewell
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
May 4, 2013
RIP +
Robert Maurone
May 3, 2013
We will remember you and your big smile for the rest of our lives. You were a friend, teacher, and a very special person. Our prayers go out to your family.
Ed & Carolyn Graham
May 3, 2013
Mary Green
May 3, 2013
I express my deeps sympathy on the death of Joe. He was my classmate at the grade school. We were always glad to see oneother. To Brother, and Sisters Im very sorry for your loss .Iwill keep joe and I will keep all of you in my prayers. Love Michael Coyne.
Michael Coyne
May 3, 2013
Drar Bishop MCfadden we were all saddened to hear about your passing please rest in peace
sincerely,
sharon kuzmitsky and family
May 3, 2013
I am CRE at St. Joachim's in Frankford I met Bishop McFadden at Confirmation my heartul sympathy goes out to his family and the archdiocese. We lost a good Bishop.
Joann Keck,CRE
May 3, 2013
Ray Allen
May 3, 2013
God Bless You.ThankYouFather
Bob Foss
May 3, 2013
Enjoy the Kingdom of Heaven with our maker. May God forever bless you
May 3, 2013
Prayers and condolences to the family of Bishop Joseph McFadden. may the God of comfort be with you all.
Betty Fowler
May 3, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jon Lowder
May 3, 2013
Bishop McFadden influenced the lives of everyone he met. He was a good Christian man and a fine example of what a priest should be. Rest in peace with our Lord and thank you for your dedication and service to the people of Philadelphia and Harrisburg. You will be missed.
May 3, 2013
May the God of all comfort be with you.
Cheryl
May 3, 2013
Rest in Peace
Scott Chamberland
May 3, 2013
May the peace of God be with all who loved him and memories bring such joy.
Patti Wilson
May 2, 2013
IT,S ALWAYS HARD TO LOSE ATRUE LEADER OF OUR CHURCH, R. I. P. BISHOP JOSEPH MCFADDEN, YOU WILL BE MISSED.
May 2, 2013
Bishop McFadden was a good Christian man. A few days after arriving at St. Joseph's, Downingtown He took the time to visit my husband at HUP several times and at home. We appreciated his humility, caring, love and wisdom. He will be forever in our hearts.
Pat Lawn
May 2, 2013
RIP
May 2, 2013
God bless you Bishop McFadden.May the angels lead you into paradise.
Sheila Smith
May 2, 2013
our serene condolences to
'Bishop Joseph McFadden'
amen`
Victoria&Andreas
May 2, 2013
Rest in Peace Bishop McFadden!
Brian Hudak
May 2, 2013
rest in peace in God's care
Dwayne Bickham
May 2, 2013
Rest in peace Bishop McFadden. You are missed.
Henryk Zaleski
May 2, 2013
My condolences to the family.
May 2, 2013
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