Alumni Spotlight: Formator, Bishop, Friend

Long before his forthcoming appointment with the Diocese of Jefferson City was announced, Bishop Ralph O’Donnell was in formation at Conception Seminary College—both being formed and leading the formation.

The 20-year-old O’Donnell enrolled at Conception Seminary College as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Omaha in 1989. Right away, he was struck by the beautiful, rural campus in Northwest Missouri and recognized that Conception was going to play an important role in his life. Fr. Albert Bruecken, OSB, remembers having him in class, describing him as “delightful—a people person who made connections with others.” Conception emphasizes forming community and healthy friendships, something that came naturally to the young O’Donnell. He made friends quickly and was a positive influence on his brother seminarians during their years of formation.

In 2011, after 14 years of priestly ministry, then-Fr. O’Donnell returned to Conception Seminary College for a four-year assignment as Vice-Rector and Dean of Students. This time, not only would Fr. Albert be working with his former pupil, he would actually be working under him, but Fr. Albert did not mind. In fact, he praised O’Donnell’s performance in the role: “It’s a hard job, and he stepped in and filled the role well. He had a good rapport with the seminarians and worked well with the other chaplains. We were thankful to his archbishop for allowing him to come here and work in the seminary.” His dedication to the work of formation was evident in the attention he gave to the people around him, seminarians and coworkers alike, a gift that has served him well in ministry and will continue to do so as the new bishop of Jefferson City.

All of us here at his Alma Mater are excited that Bishop Ralph O’Donnell will continue serving in a neighboring diocese and look forward to seeing the fruits that God produces in his new home, offering our heartfelt prayers for him and the Diocese of Jefferson City

—Fr.Victor Schinstock, OSB

President-Rector of Conception Seminary College

 

 

Published in the Catholic Voice, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Omaha, on Nov. 20, 1992