Archdiocese of TorontoMEDIA ADVISORY – For Immediate Distribution
Archdiocese of Toronto Mourns the Passing of Retired
Auxiliary Bishop Pearse Lacey at the Age of 97
TORONTO (April 3, 2014) – The Archdiocese of Toronto is saddened to share news of
the death of the Most Reverend Pearse Lacey, Bishop Emeritus of Toronto, who passed
away on the evening of April 2, 2014 at the age of 97.
Pearse Lacey was born in Toronto on November 26, 1916. He attended St. Helen’s
Separate School and St. Michael’s College before entering St. Augustine’s Seminary in
1936. He was ordained on May 23, 1943 in St. Michael's Cathedral by Archbishop
James C. McGuigan.
From 1943 to 1957 Father Lacey assisted at St. Patrick's Parish, Port Colborne, St.
Cecilia's Parish, Toronto, St. Monica’s Parish, Toronto and St. Pius X Parish, Toronto.
On June 10, 1959 he was appointed first Pastor of Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish,
Etobicoke. He continued in that capacity until October 18, 1966 when he was named
Rector of St. Michael’s Cathedral where he served until 1979. He was appointed a
prelate of honour and given the title of monsignor on September 13, 1967.
A strong supporter of Catholic education, Monsignor Lacey served as a Trustee of the
Metropolitan Separate School Board and was one of the lead organizers in the
development of St. Stephen’s Downtown Chapel, serving the business community,
which opened in 1977.
On May 3, 1979 Monsignor Lacey was appointed an Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto to
assist Archbishop G. Emmett Carter. He was consecrated on June 21, 1979 in St.
Michael’s Cathedral and appointed Vicar for the western region of the Archdiocese as
well as Vicar for Priest Personnel. After decades of faithful service, he retired on May
31, 1993 and took up residence in Toronto. In his later years, he continued a tradition of
service, presiding at sacramental celebrations up until late 2013 when his health would
no longer permit such involvement.
Cardinal Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, expressed his sympathy on behalf of
Catholics throughout the archdiocese:
“The Catholic community mourns the loss of Bishop Lacey. He served as a faithful,
joyful and pastoral shepherd for more than 70 years. While he retired from his official
duties 20 years ago, he was a kind and welcome presence throughout our archdiocese
at many events until recent months. We give thanks for his great witness and offer our
condolences to his loved ones.”
Visitation and funeral arrangements are as follows:
Visitation:
Sunday, April 6, 2014 – 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
(prayers during visitation at 8 p.m.)
R.S. Kane Funeral Home – 6150 Yonge Street (south of Steeles Ave.)
Funeral Mass:
Monday, April 7, 2014 – 11:00 a.m.
Blessed Trinity Parish – 3220 Bayview Ave. (north of Finch Ave.)
Cardinal Thomas Collins to preside
SHARED FROM ARCHDIOCESE OF TORONTO
Comments