As John Weicker finishes his final two months of school, he’s counting down the days with a small ticker in his office.On Thursday, the counter read 44 days, plus a few hours, minutes and seconds.Bishop Emeritus John D’Arcy is not letting a diagnosis of cancer in his brain and lung keep him from the flock he shepherded for a quarter century.
In a statement issued by the Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend on Wednesday, D’Arcy said he was home visiting family in Brighton, Mass., when he “began to feel unwell” on Sunday. At Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, where he was born, doctors found cancer in his brain and lung.
He will begin radiation treatment in a few days, the statement said, and in a few weeks he plans to return to the diocese.
“It is my hope in two to three weeks to return to the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend and the people I have loved and served,” the statement said.
Once here, the treatment will continue, and chemotherapy may be added.
“It is my hope to keep all the commitments I have made to the parish missions and Confirmations,” he said. “Of course, that will depend on the advice of my doctors.”
D’Arcy, 80, was bishop for 24 years until his retirement two years ago.
Since then, he has continued to celebrate Mass, hear confessions, serve as chaplain at Bishop Luers High School and host retreats.
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades asked for prayers for the beloved D’Arcy.
“I invite the faithful of our diocese to pray for Bishop D’Arcy as he undergoes treatment for the cancer,” Rhoades said in a statement. “I would also like to assure all who love Bishop D’Arcy of my prayers for you as we walk with him in his treatment.”
A year ago, D’Arcy was diagnosed with intermediate-stage prostate cancer. That was described as “treatable and curable.”
Though Rhoades said D’Arcy had told him he was feeling “pretty normal,” D’Arcy also asked for prayers.
“As I have told so many people over the years, it is a time for trust in His goodness and love,” D’Arcy said. “And your prayers will help me to do that.”
