March 13, 2026

Berkshire County bids farewell to Bishop McDonnell with special Mass

REGIONAL
By Kathy Harrington

PITTSFIELD — The body of Bishop Emeritus Timothy A. McDonnell, of the Diocese of Springfield, laid in state at St. Joseph Church Thursday evening March 12 before the Mass of Christ the High Priest. This was the night for people in the Berkshires to say farewell to the 88-year-old bishop who died on March 4. Bishop McDonnell retired to the Pittsfield parish in 2014 and took up residence at St. Joseph rectory.

Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of St. Louis returned to the Diocese of Springfield to celebrate the Mass for his predecessor. Joining the archbishop was Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne, along with 16 priests to concelebrate the Mass.

Monsignor Michael Shershanovich, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Pittsfield, delivered the homily during the Mass of the High Priest, celebrated March 12 at St. Joseph’s. (Photo by Kathy Harrington)

Bishop McDonnell requested that Msgr. Michael Shershanovich, pastor of St. Joseph’s deliver the homily at this Mass. He recalled how Bishop McDonnell would hang out in the “barber shop” as he called it, the parish secretary’s office, to enjoy the daily traffic of people stopping by.

Bishop McDonnell’s episcopal motto was “Love God, love neighbor.”  Monsignor Shershanovich said that is what the bishop wanted people to remember. He also requested his funeral be plain, simple, and brief.

Following the Mass, the faithful were invited to a reception in the parish center that was organized by the St. Anne Society of St. Joseph’s.

A video version of this story will be featured on Saturday’s edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP-22NEWS.