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Colin MacDonald Obituary
MANCHESTER --The Rev. Monsignor Colin A. MacDonald, 89, died Dec. 21, 2009.
He was born on June 21, 1920, in Heatherton, Nova Scotia, the son of Colin and Emma R. (O'Keefe) MacDonald.
He was ordained a priest on Dec. 7, 1945, by the Most Rev. Matthew F. Brady, fifth Bishop of Manchester. He studied at St. Anselm College and completed his ecclesiastical studies at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore.
Msgr. MacDonald's first assignment was as a chaplain at St. Charles Orphanage, Rochester. In 1946, he was assigned as associate pastor of St. Mary Parish, Claremont, and then as associate pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Littleton. In 1950, he was assigned as associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Laconia, and later as associate pastor of St. Joseph Cathedral.
In 1960, he served as master of ceremonies to Bishop Ernest J. Primeau at St. Joseph Cathedral. In 1962, Msgr. MacDonald was bestowed the first rank of Papal Chamberlain. He was later elevated to Domestic Prelate in 1966.
Msgr. MacDonald served as pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Manchester. He served as priest auditor and World Synod of Bishops in 1971. He retired from active ministry in 1988.
He served with the Diocesan Board of Education, the Diocesan Commission on Vocations, Coordinator for Campaign for Funds at Immaculata High School, chairman of Communications, Diocesan Synod, and the Diocesan Liturgical Commission. He was the secretary for the six Month Jubilee for Pope Paul VI, served as president of Senate of Priests, and was a founding delegate of N.E. Conference of Priests Senate.
In addition, he was a member of the Steering Committee for Feasibility Study of National Pastoral Council in the United States. He served with Diocesan Catholic Charities Board of Trustees, Boston Provincial Delegate, the National Federation of Priests Councils, and was a charter member of NCCB-USCC Advisory Council.
He was on the Advisory Council of the New Hampshire State Board of Probation and served as chaplain for the Manchester Police Department. Family members include several cousins.
SERVICES: Calling hours are Sunday from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral, Manchester. The Rite of Reception of the Body will be at 2:30 p.m. Msgr. MacDonald will lie in state in the church until 4:30 p.m., concluding with Solemn Vespers evening prayer.
The Most Rev. John B. McCormack, bishop of Manchester, will preside at a mass of Christian burial Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Cathedral, Manchester. The Rite of Committal with burial will take in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford. The Connor-Healy Funeral Home & Cremation Center is handling arrangements. Visit www.connorhealy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Colin MacDonald
Jm Hoey
March 20, 2024
I remember him as a young altar boy at St.Rose of Lima church in Littleton, NH. and then in Laconia NH. We moved there at about the same time he was transferred there. He was our priest and a family friend. He would play volleyball with the children at school during recess
Kathy (Girard) Charley
January 18, 2010
Father Collie, From all of Jim and Jane Girard's family, we thank you for the spiritual inspiration you were to each of us, growing up. Though we didn't see you often, we always knew that Father Collie would come and visit when he could, and we always waited at Christmas for your beautiful card each year. Rejoice with Mom and Dad in heaven. Before Dad died, he used to talk about you and wonder where you were. Now, he knows. Cousins re-united in God's eternal kingdom. May you rest in the loving arms of the Almighty Father. Thank you for all you gave to our lives
January 2, 2010
Monsignori, as we affectionly called you... we did not get acquainted until your later years, returning to Manchester, that was our loss but it was our gain and benefit that you joined Father Horan at St Francis of Assisi. You often told us, "you feed me very well" and Janets respond would be, " yes, but you feed us spiritually".... so true. We already miss your wit, knowledge, stories and just being with you. May our Lord welcome you into his kingdom and reunite you with your parents and siblings you never really had an opportunity to enjoy.
Sal & Janet Lucido
(formally of Litchfield)
Magnolia, MA
Dale Gilbert
December 28, 2009
Father Colin. So enjoyed our visit and phone conversations this past fall. We are so glad you got to spend Christmas with our grandfather, your cousin "Bill" MacDonald on his birthday. You can now talk over old times you both spent in Nova Scotia. We miss you. With our love and prayers
Dale, Jane and Lynn (The MacDonald sisters)
Sally O'Maley
December 28, 2009
"Father Colie" has been such an important part of my life..as a second cousin I recall so deeply how my mother, Helen Keefe McCarthy, spoke so fondly and so often of her dear cousin Colie from the time I was a tiny girl..it has been such a delight to go over our family genealogy in Nova Scotia with him over the years. As sad as I was on Sunday, it was a happy day to meet so many of his fellow New Hampshire "family" members..and to know he was so lovingly cared for. We know he is at peace. Sally McCarthy O'Maley, Essex, MA
December 27, 2009
To Our dearest cousin Rev. Monsignor Colin MacDonald: My sister Dale Gilbert and I would like to keep the wonderful memories that we shared when we had lunch with you in September. We were so happy to have the reunion with you since we hadn't seen you since you were a Priest in Littleton back in 1950. I am thankful that I had the Christmas visit with you on Thursday before your passing. May you rest in peace. Jane Maguire - Meredith, NH
The Moore Family
December 26, 2009
You will be forever missed. A wonderful Priest. Rest in Peace Monsignor MacDonald.
Maureen Parodi
December 26, 2009
I remember Monsignor MacDonald from my days involved with CYO and from the Cathedral. He was a wonderful priest and example to us. May he rest in peade.
December 24, 2009
Scotty Macdonald, what a great priest and a very good friend. He was the very best police chaplain, the Manchester Police Department ever had. We will miss Scotty but know he is in a good place now.
Louis Craig
Chief of Police (retired)
Manchester Police Department
~Louis Craig, Sarasota, Florida
Peter Favreau
December 24, 2009
One of the finest Priests I've had the pleasure to interact with. As the Chief of the Manchester Police Department, I spent many hours sharing thoughts with "Scotty". His insights during our conversations many years ago, proved to be "Dead-on" accurate. I will miss him, but know he is at peace.
Peter Favreau
Chief (retired)
Manchester Police Department
Jane Zingaro
December 24, 2009
I will miss you Msgr. Rest in peace.
The Staff of Connor-Healy Funeral Home
December 23, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
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