IC News, August 14, 2009

NEW YORK - On August 1st, our brother, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Nicholas D'Antonio, OFM, DD, Titular Bishop of Giufi Salaria and Prelate Emeritus of Inmaculada Concepcion de la B.V.M. in Olancho, Honduras went to his eternal reward. Bishop Nicholas was 93 year's old.

Anthony, the son of Pasquale and Josephine (Salza) D'Antonio was born in Rochester, NY on July 10, 1916. He was received into the novitiate on August 24, 1935 and made his first profession on August 25, 1936. Nicholas was admitted to solemn vows on August 25, 1939 and ordained priest on June 7, 1942.

Following his ordination he served as "missionary pastor" of Saint Anthony's Church in Trail, British Columbia. In 1945 he volunteered for "missionary duty in Honduras." Nicholas was appointed Prelate Nullius of the Province of Olancho on December 31, 1963, and ordained to the Episcopacy on July 25, 1966 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, MD.

Bishop Nicholas, in 1975, while in Rome for a meeting, learned that "two priests and 12 laypersons were murdered in a crackdown on church activities and many clergy and religious were expelled. 'They threw them into a well 150 feet deep and dynamited it to destroy all evidence. I really felt I should have been there with my people. I wanted to go back, but the Father Superior (of the Franciscans) said, 'Nick, don't come back.' I couldn't go back."

His missionary spirit led him to New Orleans in 1977 when former Archbishop Philip M. Hannan invited him to go there as vicar general, and vicar for Spanish-speaking Catholics. He was also named pastor of Annunciation Church two years later.

In 1994 he had surgery for the removal of a brain tumor "that had been causing painful seizures. Thirty-two days after a delicate eight-hour operation, Bishop Nick, then 78, bounded from the sacristy of Annunciation Church to show off his cranium scar and celebrate his first Mass of post-surgery thanksgiving." Even at 81, in 1997, Bishop Nicholas still astounded "parishioners with his boundless energy, his inspiring spirituality and his unassuming lifestyle"

Bishop Nicholas, in June 2000, asked to retire from Annunciation Parish and take up residence at Chateau de Notre Dame. In accepting his resignation, then Archbishop Francis B. Schulte wrote: "I want you to know, Nick, what a great gift you have been to the Church in and of New Orleans. Your ministry as bishop has been very helpful to us. Thousands of people have directly experienced your good ministry. We are also very grateful to your unique 'Franciscan presence,' characterized by gentleness, peace and humility. I look forward to your continued presence with us and encourage you to enjoy a well earned rest."

Visitation took place, Friday, August 7, 2009 at Saint Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square in New Orleans from 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral Mass beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial immediately followed in one of the crypts located in the garden behind Saint Louis Cathedral. Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes will be the main celebrant. Provincial Minister Robert Campagna, and Vicar Provincial Patrick Boyle were both in attendance.

"Friars must remember to offer suffrages for every deceased friar of the province, professed or novice. In particular, each priest shall offer the Eucharist twice." "When news of the death of a friar is received, a concelebrated Mass in his memory should be scheduled in the friaries of the province and the foundations." On the thirtieth day after and on the first anniversary of the death of a confrere, professed or novice, the Eucharist shall be celebrated for him in the house to which he was assigned at the time of death" (PS-8, 1-3).

O God, from the ranks of your priests you chose your servant Nicholas to fulfill the office of bishop. Grant that he may share in the eternal fellowship of those priests who, faithful to the teachings of the apostles, dwell in your heavenly kingdom.