Oldest priest in Chicago Archdiocese dies at 105

The oldest priest in the Chicago Archdiocese died Monday at 105, just a few weeks short of his 81st anniversary in the priesthood.

Rev. Msgr. Richard Joseph O'Donnell was born in Chicago on Oct. 15, 1910 and graduated from the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein. He was ordained in 1935 by George Cardinal Mundelein, and received the title "Monsignor" when he was named one of the Prelates of Honor of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, in 2010.

Msgr. O'Donnell was an avid White Sox fan, and the club liked him back - he threw out ceremonial first pitches at ballgames in both 2001 and 2009. His favorite player was Nellie Fox.

In an interview, he offered advice to young, busy pastors.

"Do what Cardinal Bernardin did. He was busy too," O'Donnell said. "He got up an hour early to get his prayers in. That's how the priest will get along - by prayer. It's a support, because you're not all alone, you have God to help you."

Visitation will be held 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, at Blessed Sacrament Parish/Our Lady of Good Counsel Worship Site, 3528 S. Hermitage Ave. in Chicago. Visitation will continue from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Archbishop Blase J. Cupich will be the main celebrant. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chicago.