Archbishop-Emeritus Donoghue Remembered for Humility, Service

Archbishop-emeritus John F. Donoghue requested that no eulogy be given for him, the Rev. Thomas J. Hennessey said Wednesday morning to a crowd of mourners at Archbishop Donoghue's Funeral Mass at the

"The statement was the man," the Rev. Hennessey said in a simple remembrance. "He fought the good fight."

He recalled Archbishop Donoghue, who led the Atlanta archdiocese as its fifth archbishop from Aug. 19, 1994 to his retirement on Dec. 9, 2004, as the builder of schools. During his term, he opened 10 schools, the archdiocese said.

The Rev. Hennessey also noted Archbishop Donoghue's devotion to the Eucharist and his staunch support of the pro-life movement. In one personal anecdote, the Rev. Hennessey recalled sitting at the cathedral's chapel for the perpetual adoration of the Eucharist from midnight to 1 a.m., wondering who would replace him. "It was my bishop coming to take my place," he said. Donoghue began the perpetual adoration of the Eucharist at the Cathedral and at other churches in the archdiocese.

Archbishop Donoghue, the archbishop of Charlotte before coming to Atlanta, died Friday night of respiratory failure. He was 83.

Present Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory celebrated the Mass at Christ the King. Archbishops from throughout the Southeast gathered on the altar. Priests from North Carolina, South Carolina, Savannah and the Atlanta Archdiocese participated in the funeral procession. One priest came from Detroit, the archdiocese said.

Archbishop Donoghue's body was taken by hearse from Sacred Heart Bascilica downtown to Christ the King. He was buried in Arlington Cemetery in Sandy Springs.