Marcy Kaptur: “Today in Toledo, Ohio, in the 19-county diocese to which he dedicated his selfless life, the beloved most Reverend Roman…”

“Today in Toledo, Ohio, in the 19-county diocese to which he dedicated his selfless life, the beloved most Reverend Roman Catholic Bishop Robert W. Donnelly was laid to rest. This ``priest of priests,'' gentle soul, humble leader, and compassionate shepherd passed from this life on July 21, 2014. With loving gratitude, our entire community extends its deepest appreciation for his life and deepest sympathy to his family and friends at his passing. Bishop Donnelly's religious life spanned 57 years, and he served as parish priest for seven congregations and taught in two Catholic high schools. Everywhere, he was of the people and revered. What a priest, what a bishop, what a shepherd was he--a gentle and holy man and a powerful religious leader. The thousands upon thousands of homilies and religious messages he shared were not bombastic but wise. He touched thousands upon thousands of people across generations with baptisms, graduations, communions, marriages, funerals, and confirmations. Bishop Donnelly was a man of peace. He was hardworking and always present when it mattered. With his extraordinary brother priest, Father Martin Donnelly, with whom he retired, their service cannot be measured in years but, rather, in devotion to imbuing real meaning to the faith to which they devoted their lives. May God grant him eternal rest as the joy of his spirit is released to eternity. Most Rev. Robert W.…”