But those plans changed following the April 2 death of Bishop Emeritus Michael Pearse Lacey, a man whose life was shaped by his response to a call to serve. Bishop Lacey became a priest more than seven decades ago in Toronto and was still answering his call into the final months of his life at age 97. It was a remarkable life of service.
Pope Francis has spoken about what constitutes a good bishop. He believes a bishop should maintain a simple lifestyle, be humble and be a “faithful sower of the truth.” He should be a pastor who is close to his people, attending to them in ways that are meek, patient, prayerful and merciful. He should never seek higher office, “like ambitious corporate executives,” or “have the mindset of a prince,” but instead sacrifice everything for his flock.
“Shepherds need to be in front of their flocks to indicate the path, in the midst of the flock to keep them united, behind the flock to make sure none is left behind,” the Pope said.
Bishop Lacey is being remembered as a bishop who fit the Francis mould. He served without pretension throughout a distinguished career, leading his flock and walking beside them as a pastor, parish builder, hospital chaplain, school trustee and even as a hockey coach. As rector at St. Michael’s Cathedral he believed the city’s money chasers needed a place for reflection and prayer, and so amid the skyscrapers of Bay Street he helped create St. Stephen’s Chapel.
As an auxiliary bishop in Toronto he retained that drive to serve. Bishop Lacey maintained a devotion to the Blessed Virgin. He once estimated that he presided over 55,000 confirmations, and he gave a rosary to every young person he confirmed. If each of them said one rosary, they’d have combined to recite 2.75 million Hail Marys.
Pope Francis reminds bishops that the episcopate is rooted in service to others, particularly to “those whom the world considers throwaways.” Bishop Lacey understood that.
He was an active supporter of life and family causes. He walked alongside his flock at big events like the National March for Life in Ottawa and at smaller ones like protests outside the Morgantaler abortion clinic.
He was a good and faithful shepherd throughout a long life that epitomized a call to service that was well answered.