Msgr. John O’Donnell, 91, dies April 20

Published: April 26, 2019

Msgr. Francis I. Malone, chancellor for ecclesial affairs, addressed the following letter to Diocese of Little Rock deacons and staff regarding the death of Msgr. John O’Donnell on Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

"With faith in eternal life, I announce the death of Monsignor John O’Donnell. He entered eternal life on Saturday, April 20, 2019, in Little Rock, Arkansas. A native of Philadelphia, he was born on Jan. 29, 1928, and educated in the Catholic schools in the archdiocese there. He entered St. John Home Mission Seminary, Little Rock in 1946, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1954 by Bishop Albert L. Fletcher in the Cathedral of St. Andrew.

"He was assigned associate pastor of St. John, Hot Springs, Our Lady of the Holy Souls, Little Rock, before being named pastor of Holy Cross in Crossett. In 1969 he was named pastor of St. Peter Church in Wynne, followed by St. Joseph Church, Pine Bluff, where he served for eight years.

"In 1981 he was appointed pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, North Little Rock where he remained for 15 years. In 1996 he became the pastor of Immaculate Conception, Fort Smith, where he ministered until his retirement in 2006. Even in retirement he continued to minister in central Arkansas for at least another decade until he was no longer able to do so.

"In 1990 Pope John Paul II bestowed the title of 'Prelate of Honor' upon him, with the title of monsignor. Upon informing him of having received this honor, the then bishop of Little Rock wrote these words: “John, God has given you multiple and extraordinary talents. Throughout the years of your priestly life, you have refined, honed and developed these talents. Recklessly, you have consecrated them to the Lord.” Such was his life in a capsule.

"A vigil service will be prayed at Christ the King Church, 4000 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock, on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated at Christ the King Church on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 11 a.m. with Bishop Anthony Taylor, presiding. Burial will take place at “Priest’s Circle,” in Calvary Cemetery, Little Rock following the Mass of Christian Burial.

"In the Risen Lord,
(Msgr.) Francis I. Malone, JCL, PA
Chancellor for Ecclesial Affairs"

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon him. And may he and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.