Bishop Michael Francis McAuliffe

McAULIFFE Bishop Michael Francis McAuliffe, 85, retired bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City, died peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, Jan. 9, 2005, in the Jean Jugan Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Kansas City. Bishop McAuliffe, a Kansas City native, served as bishop of the Jefferson City diocese from 1969-97. "Bishop Michael Francis McAuliffe was a gentle man of God," said Bishop McAuliffe's successor, Bishop John R. Gaydos. "Thus it was in keeping that he gently slipped the traces of this earthly existence." Bishop McAuliffe was a priest of the former Kansas City diocese and the Kansas City-St. Joseph diocese from his ordination until his appointment as bishop of Jefferson City in 1969. Born Nov. 22, 1920, in Kansas City, he attended Our Lady of Good Counsel School; St. John High School Seminary, Kansas City; St. Louis Preparatory Seminary; and the Theological College of Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Archbishop Edwin V. O'Hara of Kansas City ordained him to the Holy Priesthood at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Kansas City, on May 31, 1945. Bishop McAuliffe held a doctorate in sacred theology from Catholic University of America. Pope Pius XII named him a monsignor in 1957. Bishop McAuliffe was ordained to the episcopacy and installed as bishop of Jefferson City on Aug. 18, 1969, in the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City. At that time, Bishop McAuliffe adopted the Episcopal motto: "In Truth and Charity." At his episcopal ordination, he told the priests of the diocese, "You will not have to fear my use of authority. I will consult you more than you want to be consulted. I will depend on you more than on anyone else." In a note to all present, he wrote: "To assume the office of bishop is to assume a most difficult task. God is not wanting, however, to those who would ask. Would you then please pray that the work to which God has called me, namely the holiness of His People, may be accomplished?" Bishop McAuliffe retired at age 76 in 1997. Persistent illness in 2003 prompted him to place himself under the care of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Kansas City, where he remained until his death. Public visitation will be held from 9-10 a.m. Thursday January 12, 2006 at Saint John Francis Regis Catholic Church 8941 James A. Reed Rd. Kansas City, MO 64138. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday following the visitation. Burial will take place on Saturday in Jefferson City, MO at Resurrection Cemetery. "My prayer is one of gratitude for the life and ministry of this good shepherd," said Bishop Gaydos. "I also pray that he receive a full share in the eternal life of Christ that is our baptismal inheritance. May he rest in peace." (Arr. McGilley State Line Chapel 816.942.6180)