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Church leaders reflect on Bishop McDowell’s life
archived from: 2010-03-08

His fellow prelates had high praise for “the education bishop” and issued the following statements on the death of Bishop McDowell.

Cardinal Adam Maida, retired archbishop of Detroit and a former Pittsburgh diocesan priest:

I have known Bishop McDowell as a friend for over 53 years. He was a very holy and gifted priest, an extraordinary administrator and a visionary in the field of Catholic education. He had a very special love for Catholic schools and their mission.

He was a pastoral bishop, one who loved his priestly ministry and the church with great fervor. Beyond the Diocese of Pittsburgh, he was highly regarded by those in Catholic education and held significant positions in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. His legacy as a dedicated, loving and sensitive priest and bishop will live on for generations to come.

Cardinal Justin Rigali, archbishop of Philadelphia:

I had the privilege of knowing Bishop McDowell many years ago in Rome during my extended period of service there. I recall with admiration his great contribution to the splendid pastoral letter of the U.S. bishops entitled “To Teach as Jesus Did.”

I join Bishop Zubik and the church in Pittsburgh in giving thanks to God for all of Bishop McDowell’s pastoral service during the long years of his priesthood and episcopacy. May his legacy of priestly fidelity and generosity remain an inspiration for years to come.

Although I shall be in Rome at the time of Bishop McDowell’s funeral I shall be united with the whole diocese in asking the Lord Jesus to reward his faithful servant with eternal joy and peace.

Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., former bishop of Pittsburgh:

The news of the death of Bishop McDowell is an occasion of sadness for all who deeply respected and loved him as a bishop, but also a time of grateful recognition of his great service to the church, particularly in the area of Catholic education.

I was still in my last year in the seminary when Bishop McDowell was appointed auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh and he was already then well known for his outstanding work in Catholic education, overseeing the large system of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Later in my work with Bishop McDowell, I came all the more to appreciate from him how important Catholic education is and why our Catholic schools provide a unique service to the church.

As much a scholar as he was a teacher, Bishop McDowell was well known for his informative and delightful speaking style, his inspiring homilies and his ability to introduce a light touch into even the most difficult moments.

In his retirement, he produced a whole series of short books on the bishops of Pittsburgh, recalling from his own experience having served under seven of the bishops of Pittsburgh.

Personally, I will always cherish the time I had working with him and remember his keen mind, delightful company and quiet yet firm faith.

Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, former archbishop of Philadelphia and bishop of Pittsburgh:

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Bishop John McDowell. It was my privilege to know and work closely with Bishop McDowell during my tenure as bishop of Pittsburgh.

Bishop McDowell was a “good and faithful servant” and I know he will be greatly missed by the priests, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

I extend my deepest condolences to Bishop McDowell’s family and friends and to all in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Bishop Paul Bradley of Kalamazoo, Mich., a former auxiliary bishop in Pittsburgh:

I received the news of Bishop John B. McDowell’s death with great sadness and the realization of what a hole his passing from this life into eternal life creates for all of us, especially for the Church of Pittsburgh.

Forty years ago, I had my first real encounter with Bishop McDowell as he ordained me. I still remember his booming voice and his challenging homily.

During my years as pastor of St. Sebastian Parish, I got to know him as a “parishioner,” since he was living in his retirement home within the parish’s boundaries. And over my last five years as a bishop I have encountered Bishop McDowell as a true older brother who continued to impress me with his devotion and dedication to teaching through his constant writing and the publication of so many books.

One of the last things I said to him before I left Pittsburgh was that I wished that I had a complete set of all the books he had written over the past 10 years of his retirement so I could have some good reading materials to occupy the long wintry nights in southwest Michigan. The very next day, I found a shopping bag full of them in my office.

He was a great person, wonderful priest and inspiring bishop.

Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, R.I., a former Pittsburgh auxiliary bishop:

I was very sorry to learn of the passing of Bishop John McDowell. He was a truly good man, an exemplary priest and bishop, and a devoted servant of Christ and his church.

Bishop McDowell’s contributions to the church in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, especially in the field of Catholic education, are impressive and long-lasting. Not only did he write about the history of the diocese, he was indeed an important part of it.

It was an honor for me to work in collaboration with Bishop McDowell for many years and I now join my fellow Pittsburghers in mourning his loss and praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Retired Greensburg Bishop Anthony Bosco, former auxiliary bishop in Pittsburgh:

When we were working in the chancery, Bishop McDowell and I frequently used to take a walk around downtown at lunchtime. The conversation was often profound and delightful.

He was such an educator — schools were so close to his heart — that’s why his leadership and enthusiasm produced such results. He was always delightful, I enjoyed his intellect. He was a good friend, a good buddy.

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