I believe that a good bishop both teaches and shepherds those entrusted to his care. Archbishop Donoghue has been a tremendous influence on my own spirituality and on many others in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Two things that I thank him for and will always remember about him are his great love for the Eucharist and his great love for the mother of Jesus Christ.

For the past 11 years, due to Archbishop Donoghue’s emphasis on the Eucharist, there has been a tremendous opportunity for grace in the archdiocese. Through this emphasis, the spiritual good of the local church has been strengthened. I firmly believe that every person, office and ministry in our archdiocese—from sacramental ministries to social services—has had the opportunity to benefit from this grace.

At the Office of Catholic Charities, Archbishop Donoghue has inspired in us the fundamental truth that all of our beautiful and necessary efforts to serve those in need must spring from our faith in and love of Jesus Christ. From our life of prayer, especially prayer in the Eucharist, we find the strength, wisdom and energy to persevere in our efforts to help the most vulnerable that we serve find both immediate and long-term solutions to the very complex and difficult problems they face. Through his support of Catholic Charities and Catholic Social Service programs, Archbishop Donoghue has strengthened our spiritual lives to enable the conversion of heart that is necessary to truly love one another as God has loved us.

Before I became directly involved in archdiocesan work this past summer as the Secretary of Catholic Charities, I was principally involved in the ministry of supporting our priests and Religious through the lay Serra Club. Archbishop Donoghue has always been a great advocate and supporter of this club’s ministry of prayer, affirmation events and support for religious vocations. Nothing increases the perseverance, faith and hard work of those who work and pray for religious vocations more than experiencing Archbishop Donoghue’s incessant gratitude for our work. Through these special collaborative efforts, our archdiocese is blessed now and will be blessed in the future with holy priests and Religious.