Most Rev. Thomas A. Donnellan
“Ministrare Non Ministrari”
Biographical Dates
| Born: | January 24, 1914 |
| Ordained priest: | June 3, 1939 |
| Ordained bishop: | April 9, 1964 |
| Installed as Archbishop of Atlanta: | July 16, 1968 |
| Died: | October 15, 1987 |
Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan was appointed the second Archbishop of Atlanta on May 24, 1968 and was installed on July 16, 1968. Archbishop Donnellan, 54 years old at the time, was a native of New York City. Prior to his Atlanta appointment he had served four years as Bishop of Ogdensburg, New York.
The population of the Atlanta Archdiocese tripled during his 19 years as Archbishop and the number of Catholics grew from 50,000 in 1968 to 175,000. Thirty-two parishes were established during this time. Archbishop Donnellan suffered a stroke on May 1, 1987 and died on October 15, 1987.
Selected News Stories from The Georgia Bulletin
Note: Links to The Georgia Bulletin articles open in a new window.
- October 22, 1987: Archbishop Donnellan's Death And Funeral Accounts
- September 17, 1987: Pope Phones Archbishop Donnellan
- September 3, 1987: Archbishop Benefiting From Care Of Sisters
- August 20, 1987: Archbishop's Illness Prompts Election Of Administrator
- May 7, 1987: Archbishop Improves Following Stroke
- September 25, 1986: Archbishop Donnellan Named To Review Panel
- May 25, 1978: Focus: Ten Years Later