Encyclopedia of Connecticut biography, genealogical-memorial ...

an's Church—"The mother of all the
churches."
Bishop Lawrence McMahon presided
over the Hartford diocese when Dr. Donovan
presented himself for appointment.
The bishop chose the young clergyman
as secretary and chancellor, in succession
to the late Dr. Maher. Bishop Shahan,
now rector of the Catholic University in
Washington, D. C, had also occupied the
post. The priests speak enthusiastically
of Dr. Donovan's work as chancellor. He
introduced new methods, sadly needed,
and so coordinated the work that his of-
fice was known throughout the country
as a model. His courtesy was equaled by
his energy, and many pastors have reason
to remember his help with gratitude.
The position of chancellor usually dies
with the appointing prelate. Bishop Tier-
ney retained Dr. Donovan, the old chancellor,
in place, a precedent followed by
the present ordinary who kept Father
Murray, the successor of Dr. Donovan.
The manifold activities of Bishop Tierney
multiplied enormously the duties of the
chancellor. The score of institutions
erected by that indefatigable and successful
builder, the religious communities
either erected or received into the dio-
cese, the codification of diocesan procedure,
the polyglot problems introduced by
the changing population, threw labors on
the shoulders of Dr. Donovan, under
which most men would have succumbed.
During his tenure of office the first canonical
visitation of the parishes was made
the books and records of all the churches
were carefully examined and titles puri-
fied. As the law bearing on the election
of trustees was ambiguous and trouble-
breeding, he drafted a new bill, and in
spite of strong opposition, induced the
legislature to pass the measure which has
since worked so satisfactorily. Dr. Don-
;
ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BIOGRAPHY
228
ovan collected the Synodal Reports, collated
them and added a luminous com-
mentary, bringing out a volume which is
recognized as an authority on Canon
Law. He has been an examiner of the
clergy since 1897, and in 1900 he was ap-
pointed Defender of the Marriage Tie,
one of the most important offices in the
Catholic church, since the incumbent
must pass on all cases of disputed or
doubtful marriage. Later he was elected
by the votes of the clergy a consultor to
the bishop, a position he retained till ap-
pointed pastor of the permanent rectory
of this city. There are but six priests in
this State holding this honor.
Since arriving in Middletown, he has
continued energetically to face the church
problems which must inevitably confront
the pastor of so important a parish. As
the Convent of Mercy here was a mother-
house, until the consolidation of the three
communities by Bishop Nilan, Dr. Donovan
set himself the task of building a
convent chapel worthy of the dignity of
the community. He collected over twenty
thousand dollars for the purpose, and
gave the sisters the most beautiful chapel
in Connecticut. He renovated and dec-
orated the interior of St. John's, placing
gorgeous windows, imported from Aus-
tria, for the former gloomy glass ; beau-
tified the sanctuary, all of which cost
$23,000. Both the chapel and the reno-
vation of St. John's did not add a cent of
indebtedness to the parish, as the money
for the improvement was raised by Dr.
Donovan, without any undue burden to
the parishioners. Last year, the convent
was renovated and new plumbing installed
throughout. The grounds were
laid out so as to be a fitting setting for
the ornate statuary which was set up.
During his pastorate, new land has been
opened for cemetery purposes. All these