Bishop D'Arcy celebrates final Mass in South Bend

SOUTH BEND — For Sunday’s Mass at St. Matthew Cathedral, Roman Catholic Bishop John M. D’Arcy dressed in his vestments for the last time as head of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. And D’Arcy, who will be succeeded by Rev. Kevin Rhoades on Jan. 13, made clear that he believes stepping down is all a part of God’s will. “It’s tough leaving, you know, the job of being a shepherd and caring for the people” D’Arcy told WSBT News. “But I accept it with all my heart. I think it’s what God wants.” D’Arcy said he’s confident Rhoades will be an excellent bishop. But as the faithful filled the pews for Mass, it was D’Arcy they came to honor. He was installed as bishop in 1986 when he was 52 years old. After nearly 25 years, it’s time for him to embrace new challenges. But feeling challenged won’t be entirely new, D’Arcy said. “There have been challenges along the way, ups and downs, but it’s a learning experience,” D’Arcy said of being bishop. It’s one he says he wouldn’t have traded for anything, even with the criticism that he says came with standing by his convictions. “I’m aware of mistakes,” he said. “I’m aware of failure and things incomplete, but I don’t dwell on them at this time. I kind of dwell on thanksgiving to God.” While the road ahead may be new, D’Arcy doesn’t face it with sadness — an attitude that’s part of his Irish heritage, he said. “You have to expect you’re going to have sufferings when you’re Irish, and you know my people are immigrants, so I know all about that.” Among hundreds attending the Mass was John Cavadini, associate professor and chair of the University of Notre Dame Theology Department. He presented a letter of thanks and gratitude to D’Arcy for his pastoral leadership. D’Arcy will be stepping down as bishop but remains a priest, one who hopes he’s done God’s will. “I hope I’ve done what He wanted me to do,” D’Arcy said. “I know I’ve tried. I think I have.”