Members of Central Florida's Roman Catholic community are mourning the death of a well-known priest.
- Father John McCormick dies days after announcing retirement
- McCormick had been rector of St. James Cathedral since 2001
Father John McCormick died early Monday morning, six days after announcing his retirement because of acute leukemia. He was 71.
McCormick was the rector of St. James Catholic Cathedral in downtown Orlando. Bishop Norbert Dorsey appointed him rector in September 2001.
He was born June 25, 1945 in Dublin Ireland and served in the Diocese of Orlando since 1983, the diocese said.
On a statement on its website, the diocese said: "It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of Fr. John early this morning. He was at peace and we ask that you please join with us in prayer, that his soul will be received in Heaven."
He was an avid sports lover, the diocese said. When World Cup soccer came to Orlando in 1994, McCormick predicted the Irish team would win because “God is Irish.” In 1984, he played on a priest soccer team to raise funds to buy a wheelchair-accessible van for a disabled parishioner.
The diocese said it will release information about funeral arrangements soon.