Omaha daily bee., 1890-05-28
prArH or ntsHop o.coYNoR.

The announcement OF the death OF
RI Rev. James O'Connor, bishop of
Omaha, will be received with profound
sorrow by the public generally and
members of the Catholic church in par
ticular. Though expected for months,
his deaf h Is no less shock TO the peo-
pie who learned to honor and revere his
many noble qualities as a man and
prclate.
Bishop O'Connors life was one OF un-
ceasing devotion to the cause OF
religion and humanity. Springing from
family distinguished for piety
and uncommon intellectual gifts,
he entered upon his life work with zeal
that marked him for high honors in the
church. Unlike most men he shrunk
from admiration and undue prominence.
His nature rebelled against worldly
pomp or ''show, and to escape both he
sought the quietude of the college in
stead of the pulpit. AS professor of
theology and philosophy he displayed
depth of reasoning, wide research and
erudition that attracted the attention of
his superiors. In this position as in his
later and wider intercourse with the
world, he evinced a singleness ofpurpose
and broad liberality that endeared him
to all acquaintances.
Coming to Omaha fourteen years ago,
Bishop O'Connor found diocese cover
ing Nebraska, Wyoming, Dakota and
Montana During his administration
this vast diocese has been divided into
five. Bishop O'Connor grasped the pos
sibilities of western advancement in a mo-
ment and laid broad and deep the founda-
tion for church and educational growth.
He forcsaw that Omaha was destined to
become n great center of population, and
years before the city began its second
growth he inspired confidence by judi
cious investment in property for church
extension. To his sagacity the church
is indebted for the many elegant sites
secured, the churches and schools built
and the accommodations provided for
future enlargements.
Personally and officially Bishop o Con-
nor was one of the most approachable
of men. Simple in habits and unassum-
ing in manner, he was extremely so in
his social relations. Those who have
had the pleasure of meeting him in So
cial life can testify to his amiability
and the charm of his con-
versation. Even those who differed
radically from him in matters of religion
were forced to concede his sincerity in
speech and action. AS an official of the
church his clergy knew him best. A
strict disciplinarian, he was gentle to
those of good will as he was uncompro-
MIXING to the malicious. a favorite say
ing of his was, Il shall never disturb a
man who does an honest days work.
In his relations with the clergy and
laity his motto was, "a minimum of gov
ernmcnt." The wisdom of his episcopal
administration is shown in the fact that
his people never had any trouble with
him, that his years passed away in peace
and tranquility.
The best material monument to
Bishop O'Connor consists in the
prudent and fruitful manner in
which he managed the temporal
affairs.of the diocese of Omaha. This is
especially conspicuous in the city. He
found it with two churches; he leaves
it with nine, with schools, seminaries
and a college fully equal to the de-
mand.
A good citizen and great priest has
gone from among us. The Catholic
church loses "a dignitary of national
reputation, who, had he been spared,
would undoubtedly have been favored
with greater honors. The Catholic peo-
pie of this state will naturally feel the
loss most keenly. They are convinced
that they shall not soon look upon his
like again.