Today, at 2:22 a.m., our beloved pastor of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Fr. Patrick Joseph Francis O’Doherty, journeyed to his heavenly home. While our parish knew the end was near, it didn’t make the reality of his death any easier, as evidenced by the overwhelming grief that hung in the air during today’s noon Mass.
As we participated in today’s sacrifice, I’m sure everyone’s thoughts were flooded with memories of him. I know mine were.
Father and I would get together from time to time to solve the world’s problems.
“It’s going to take some doing, but we’ll give it our best,” he’d say.
Far from solving much, I was more a student of his wisdom, soaking up every word as we delved into deep theological conversations I still mull over and learn from.
One time I turned the tables and interviewed him, which he graciously allowed. The subject at hand was roosters—roosters that to this day can be found in obvious and not-so-obvious places on the church grounds. Naturally, I assumed he must be a rooster fan. Turns out that’s not really how the rooster collection grew. I invite you to read the rest of the story here.
Most times when I’d ask how he was, he’d reply with a standard line:
“I’m wicked as ever. What are you going to make of it?” he’d ask me.
“Whatever you want me to, Father.”
Yes, this self-proclaimed Bishop of 200 State Rd was never without a sly comeback or a corny joke. And he referred to himself as humble, handsome, and holy (though I’m not sure I ever got the order right). His self-moniker will always be with us, as a brick engraved with HHH can be found on the right-side entrance path to the church.
Though I cherish Father’s humor, there’s so much more to this Irish-born man. He designed and built one of Florida’s most beautiful churches. And he paid for it along the way—he didn’t want to owe a dime to anyone.
Oh sure, there was the time around the church’s opening when he had forgotten to order the organ pipes, but I think we can all let that one slide. To this day, nearly 40 years later, the church is debt-free.
Father was a defender of all human life—passionately and unapologetically. He lived out the words of God. Years back, he received a prayer in a private revelation: “Jesus, I love you. Possess me!” Today, this prayer can be found on car bumpers throughout the city. He was the quintessential shepherd, always taking care of his flock, racing to the beds of the dying at all hours of the day and night, typically arriving in less than 10 minutes—a blessing our family experienced when my mother-in-law and father-in-law were alive, as did other members of our dear family.”
When I was near Father, I felt like I was closer to Jesus, and I am beyond blessed to have had the last few years as a part of his flock.
No doubt my heart and the hearts of so many others are broken now. But in our grief, we find assurance in the power of the Catholic faith. Life isn’t over for our priest. It’s simply changed. And one day, please God, he’ll bring Jesus and his Blessed Mother to greet us when we join him. His words will live on through his Facebook page, and his presence will live on in his countless YouTube videos. And his voice will forever echo on the grounds of our Church.
And for that, I am thankful. Even in the mourning.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon your servant, Father Patrick J. O’Doherty.
St. Therese, St. Padre Pio, and our Blessed Virgin Mother Queen of Peace, pray for him.