RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Monsignor Richard O'Donnell has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 105; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Richard O'Donnell was the oldest priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago where he faithfully served for more than 80 years; and
WHEREAS, The son of Irish immigrants from County Clare, Ireland, Monsignor Richard O'Donnell graduated from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood by George Cardinal Mundelein in 1935; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Richard O'Donnell served at St. Gabriel, Our Lady of Peace and St. Ita parishes in Chicago before being appointed pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel in 1963 from which he retired in 1981; and
WHEREAS, The parish was closed in 2008 and became Blessed Sacrament Parish where Monsignor Richard O'Donnell resided at its rectory; and
WHEREAS, In 2010 Pope Benedict XVI bestowed the title of Monsignor on the Reverend Richard O'Donnell and named him one of the Prelates of Honor of His Holiness; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his ministry, Monsignor Richard O'Donnell relied on prayer and once said, "That's how a priest will get along - by prayer. It's a support, because you are not all alone, you have God to help you"; and
WHEREAS, The holiness, sacrifice and dedication of Monsignor Richard O'Donnell serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Richard O'Donnell will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many relatives, friends and admirers; and
WHEREAS, To his nephew, Richard Fitzpatrick, and his beloved family, Monsignor Richard O'Donnell imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this eighteenth day of May, 2016, do hereby commemorate Monsignor Richard O'Donnell for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE I...
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