Catholic community reacts to news of Bishop D'Arcy fighting cancer for a second time

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The local Catholic community is coping with some disheartening news.  Its 80-year-old Bishop Emeritus, John D'Arcy, has been diagnosed with cancer for a second time.

NewsChannel 15 talked with officials from the Fort Wayne - South Bend Diocese and the University of Saint Francis about the news.  They said they're saddened by it but hopeful Bishop D'Arcy will make a full recovery.

"It's always tough when you have a loved one that's going through this.  Bishop D'Arcy is beloved by many many people here," spokesperson for the Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese Sean McBride said.

For a quarter of a century, Bishop John D'Arcy led the Fort Wayne-South Bend Catholic Diocese.  During that time and even after he retired three years ago, many say he has made his mark in the Catholic community.

Bishop D'Arcy broke the news Sunday that he's battling brain and lung cancer.

"The e-mails and the phone calls that our office has been receiving have just been beautiful.  It has been a beautiful testament to his legacy here in Fort Wayne and South Bend and we want him back.  We want him back home."

Right now, Bishop D'Arcy is receiving treatment in Boston, Massachusetts where he was visiting family.  McBride said he's a man of tremendous faith and is in high spirits.

Bishop D'Arcy has been involved with various Catholic schools and universities in Indiana.  One of those being the University of Saint Francis.

"Well of course we are saddened by the news.  But, we're also very hopeful that he can make a recovery.  Our prayers are with him," University of Saint Francis Dean of Arts and Sciences Max Smith said.

The University of Saint Francis Dean of Arts and Sciences, Max Smith, said D'Arcy has always been a strong supporter of the school.  That's why the school named its stadium after Bishop D'Arcy.

"Bishop D'Arcy has been a fixture in this area for so long that many people not only know him as a Bishop, but have a personal relationship with him and that's on campus and the Diocese.  I know that all of them wish him the best.  Hope that he recovers from this latest diagnosis and is able to come back to the community."

Bishop D'Arcy is still undergoing some tests to learn more about the cancer in his brain and lungs.  Doctors believe he may be able to return home to Fort Wayne in two to three weeks to continue treatments.