Although I like to concentrate on the early history of the diocese, there are some individuals who stand out in our current history:
Msgr. Francis Tuohy
Ordained: 1961, died on Thursday, March 24, 2005
Rev. Msgr. Francis R. Tuohy, JCL, PA 69, lifelong resident of Indianapolis and well respected Roman Catholic priest, died on the evening of Holy Thursday. Msgr. Tuohy was born on August 15, 1935 to the late Joseph K. and Anna Helen (McNelis) Tuohy. Upon graduation from Little Flower Catholic Grade School on the east side, he enrolled at Saint Meinrad. He completed his education for priesthood at Catholic University in Washington D.C. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on May 7, 1961. Following ordination, he completed his canon law degree at Catholic University in Washington D.C. During his more than forty years of priesthood, he served in many Indianapolis parishes, as well as providing extensive administrative work for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Msgr. Tuohy was the assistant pastor of Our Lady of the Greenwood from 1961-63 and later became the assistant pastor at St. John the Evangelist until 1966. In 1966 he became the Chancellor of the Archdiocese after having served as the assistant chancellor the previous year. He continued in parish work as the pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in Fortville until 1974. Msgr. Tuohy was chancellor until he was appointed vicar general of the Archdiocese in 1975. In 1979 he became the archdiocesan administrator for one year and continued as vicar general and chancellor in 1980. He was honored with the designation of prelate of honor in 1979. He reentered parish work in 1981 as pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist while continuing as vicar general. He became the pastor of St. Luke in 1985 while also serving on the board of consultors. In 1994 he was honored with another important designation of protonotary apostolic. He then became pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church in 1995 from which he retired in July of 2004. In addition, Msgr. Tuohy served as an archdiocesan judge with the Metropolitan Tribunal for many years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas E. Tuohy. Survivors include his siblings, J. Joseph Tuohy, James L. Tuohy, and Bernadette Cunningham; a host of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Information obtained from the Indianapolis Star online, www.indystar.com
