Patrick J. McGrath - Rest in Peace
Dear Santa Clara Community,
I write to share the deep sadness of our community upon learning of the death of Patrick J. McGrath, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of San Jose and a dear friend, pastoral leader and valued supporter and partner to our University on many important issues.
Bishop McGrath passed away Sunday afternoon, May 7, at the age of 77. He was born in Ireland in 1945, was ordained a priest in 1970 and assigned to Saint Anne of the Sunset parish in San Francisco. That began decades of service to the Bay Area, including his ordination as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, a position he held from 1988 to 1998, when he was named by Pope John Paul II coadjutor bishop of San Jose. He succeeded Bishop Pierre DuMaine as bishop in 1999, and retired after 20 years of dedicated service.
He received a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome in 1977. He was given an honorary doctorate in sacred theology from Santa Clara in 2001.
Bishop McGrath worked together frequently with Santa Clara’s leaders to draw attention and care to causes such as the treatment of immigrants and separation of families at the border; the unjust treatment of DREAMers who were brought to the U.S. as children; interfaith collaboration; steps to address the harms of clergy sexual abuse; and other matters of social justice and Catholic values. He also was a warm and beloved presence at countless events at Santa Clara University, including the recent President’s Dinner on April 15, where he gave a thoughtful benediction.
On behalf of our entire community, we join with all those in the Diocese of San Jose and around the world in praying for the repose of his soul. We pray too for the consolation of his extensive community of family, friends, and loved ones. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Sincerely,
Julie Sullivan
President