Originally published at Orange County Catholic
BY ALL ACCOUNTS, Rev. Msgr. Justin MacCarthy, pastor emeritus of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in La Habra, was the epitome of a Good Shepard, once defined by Pope Francis as a devotee to the mission, not 50 or 60 percent, but with all he has.”
Msgr. MacCarthy, who died on Jan. 2 at age 85 after a lengthy bout with cancer, embraced his calling with passion.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated for the much-loved monsignor on Jan. 25 at Our Lady of Guadalupe with fellow clergy, parishioners, friends and loved ones in attendance.
Throughout his 35-year tenure as the pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and for years as pastor emeritus after his retirement in 2014, Msgr. MacCarthy served his not only his congregation, but the community at large.
Msgr. MacCarthy was ordained on June 14, 1964, and served as pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe from 1979 to 2114. Scott Miller, director of outreach at Our Lady of Guadalupe and close friend of Msgr. MacCarthy, said the monsignor was a consummate leader who challenged people to be their best in service to the church and the community and always remained open-minded to all points of view.