Death of the Most Reverend M. Pearse Lacey, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Toronto

Friday, April 04 2014

(CCCB – Ottawa)… The Most Reverend M. Pearse Lacey, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Toronto, died on April 2, 2014, at the age of 97. He had been named Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto on May 3, 1979, and retired on May 31, 1993.

Bishop Lacey was born in Toronto on November 26, 1916. He was ordained a priest on May 23, 1943, in St. Michael’s Cathedral, Toronto, by then Archbishop, later Cardinal, James C. McGuigan. He was appointed a Prelate of Honour with the title of Monsignor on September 13, 1967. On May 3, 1979, Monsignor Lacey was named Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto, assisting then Archbishop, soon later Cardinal, G. Emmett Carter. Ordained Bishop on June 21, 1979, in St. Michael’s Cathedral, Bishop Lacey was appointed Vicar for the western region of the Archdiocese of Toronto as well as Vicar for Priest Personnel. After reaching the age of 75, he offered his resignation to the Holy Father, which was accepted on May 31, 1993. During his episcopal ministry, Bishop Lacey served on the former CCCB Commission for the Ministries and the Apostolate, 1983 to 1987.

There will be visitation on Sunday, April 6, 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm, at R.S. Kane Funeral Home, Toronto, with prayers during visitation at 8:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, April 7, at 11:00 am, at Blessed Trinity Church, Toronto.