Emeritus Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk died on March 22, 2020 at Archbishop Leibold Home for the Aged (a.k.a. Little Sisters of the Poor.). He was born August 12, 1934 in Dayton, Ohio. His studies included five years at St. Gregory Seminary in Cincinnati, three years of philosophy and four years of theology at the Pontifical Urban College “de Propaganda Fide” receiving his Licentiate in Philosophy and Theology. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 20, 1959, at the Pontifical Urban College “de Propaganda Fide” in Rome by Cardinal Gregorio Agagianain. After his ordination, he continued as a graduate student in theology for one year earning his Doctorate, while also serving as the first prefect of the College. Effective August 24, 1961, Father Pilarczyk was appointed Assistant Chancellor and assistant at St. Louis Church in Cincinnati. On October 20, 1961, Father was appointed to teach at St. Gregory Seminary for the 1960-1961 scholastic year while continuing in residence at St. Louis Church and in the other offices at the parish and Chancery. On October 23, 1962, he was appointed Administrator of St. Michael Parish in Ripley, Ohio, taking up residence there, but continuing with his other assignments. In June 1963, he was advised to take whatever courses were helpful and available in preparation for his appointment on August 20, 1963, as a member of the Faculty of St. Gregory Seminary and as Assistant Pastor at St. Andrew Church in Milford, with residence at the Seminary.
Father Pilarczyk also served as Rector of St. Gregory Seminary (1968-1974), Synodal Judge for the Archdiocesan Tribunal (1971-1982), and Vicar for Education (1974-1978). In 1969, Father Pilarczyk received his Ph.D. in “Classics” from the University of Cincinnati. On November 12, 1974, Pope Paul VI appointed Father Pilarczyk to Auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati and Titular Bishop of Hodelm. On December 20, 1974 he was ordained as Bishop at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains by Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin as Consecrator and Bishops Nicholas Elko and James Malone as Co-consecrators. On January 2, 1975, Bishop Pilarczyk was appointed Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and on April 24, 1978 he was appointed Director of Educational Services for the Archdiocese. Bishop Pilarczyk served in both of these capacities until 1982. On August 23, 1982, he was elected Administrator of the Archdiocese by the College of Consultors. Bishop Pilarczyk was named Archbishop of Cincinnati in Rome on October 30, 1982 and it was announced in the Archdiocese on November 2, 1982. He was installed as Archbishop of Cincinnati on December 20, 1982 by the Most Reverend Pio Laghi, Apostolic Delegate in the United States. In addition to the previous appointments, Archbishop Pilarczyk also served on numerous committees for the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) from 1975 – 2009, Member & Chairman for the International Commission on English in the and Member and Chairman of the Catholic Common Ground Initiative (1996-2011). He served on the Board of Trustees for the Catholic Health Association, Pontifical College Josephinum and Catholic University of America and was Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Athenaeum of Ohio. Archbishop Pilarczyk retired on December 21, 2009, serving the Archdiocese of Cincinnati for 50 years as a Priest, 25 years as a Bishop and 17 years as an Archbishop – faithful and humble Servant!
Burial Service: Reverend Breaker’s body was cremated. Per his wishes, a graveside service will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, Cincinnati, later this summer.
Associates of the Marian Pact are asked to offer, as soon as possible, one Mass for the repose of the soul of Father Breaker, and when convenient, to provide for the celebration of two other Masses.
Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, March 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Cathedral of Saint Peter in Chains, Cincinnati. Celebrant: Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr. The clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese are encouraged to join in prayer for Archbishop Pilarczyk by following the Mass via live streaming from the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Chains.
In light of current restrictions, and in lieu of their presence at the Mass of Christian Burial, priests of the Archdiocese are encouraged to offer Mass for the repose of Archbishop Pilarczyk’s soul, using the orations of the Mass for the Dead: IV. Various Prayers for the Dead, 2. For a Bishop, A. For a Diocesan Bishop. The Office of the Dead may also be prayed for him.
A memorial Mass with the presence of the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese will be celebrated at a later date.
