'Legacy of faith': Bishop D'Arcy remembered

However, he was also present for much joy with the diocese, seeing it through its 150th year celebration during 2007. The same year marked DArcy's 50th year as a priest.

He oversaw the diocese as it initiated the first televised Mass for South Bend and Fort Wayne, and he helped expand services for Hispanic Catholics in the diocese, even ordaining the dioceses first Mexican-born priest in 2009.

DArcy was sympathetic to the plight of immigrants.

In 2006, he wrote to Indiana lawmakers in Congress, urging them to reject an an overly punitive approach to immigration reform. And he expressed concerns over legislation at that time that would have criminalized the churchs assistance to undocumented immigrants.

One of DArcy's largest undertakings as bishop was the fundraising for the new St. Joseph High School. As reported by the Tribune in 2011, DArcy set a goal in 2009 of $35.5 million by the end of June 2011 to build the school -- a seemingly improbable feat which has now been seen to completion.

DArcy was also outspoken against child abuse by priests through his lifetime. In 2003, he disclosed that 16 priests in the Fort Wayne-South Bend diocese had abused 33 children since 1950 -- actions that ultimately cost the diocese more than $1.36 million in damages, according to a 2010 Tribune article.

DArcy said in a 2003 press conference that he decided to publicly announce the numbers because there has been too much secrecy nationally.

In fact, it was not the first time DArcy spoke up about the abuse -- letters from DArcy to Catholic bishops as early as 1978 concerning abuse allegations have surfaced. While some have said DArcy was sent to Indiana from Boston because of his frankness about the abuse, DArcy always remained silent on the subject, according to Tribune articles.

DArcy was also one of the loudest voices against the invitation of President Barack Obama to speak and receive an honorary degree at the 2009 commencement ceremony at the University of Notre Dame. He stated he did not support the University giving Obama any honors based on his position on abortion.

DArcy did not attend the 2009 commencement, though he did release a statement urging people to stay away from campus protests.

It was not the first time he disagreed with the actions of University President Fr. John Jenkins -- a 2006 discussion of the performance of The Vagina Monologues on campus left DArcy and Jenkins at opposite opinions, though DArcy elected to attend the 2006 commencement exercises.

Disagreements with political leaders was not limited to just Obama, either. DArcy directed the leadership of St. Joseph High School to withdraw the invitation of then-Gov. Joe Kernan to speak at the 2004 commencement ceremony, citing Kernans stance on abortion.

He also didnt attend the 1992 Notre Dame commencement ceremony because Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, that years Laetare Medal recipient, had a pro-choice stance.

In addition to his strong faith, he was a sports enthusiast with a love for the Boston Red Sox. At an event in 2009 to mark his retirement, he joked that in every joyful occasion there is a cross, and in this case, his successor Rhoades was a New York Yankees fan.

After his retirement, DArcy didnt return to his home of Boston. He remained in Fort Wayne.

In a 2007 interview, he said Indiana had become his home after 22 years as bishop.

The priesthood has been an extraordinary gift, DArcy said in a 2007 interview. Ive never had a moment of regret. I think its a beautiful life if its a life of love for Christ and for the people.

I think its a great adventure.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Staff writer Joseph Dits contributed to this report.