HARRISBURG - The Diocese of Harrisburg said Sunday that the cause of Bishop Joseph McFadden's death on Thursday was a heart attack.
McFadden had been staying on the grounds of St. Christopher's in Philadelphia as he was visiting the area for a semi-annual meeting of the state's bishops. At 6:30 a.m. Thursday, he called Monsignor Joseph Garvin, pastor of St. Christopher Parish, to say he wasn't feeling well.
"I think I'm having a heart attack. I need you to take me to Holy Redeemer Hospital," McFadden said, according to a report by Lou Baldwin of CatholicPhilly.com, a website for news from the Diocese of Philadelphia.
Garvin drove McFadden to the emergency room at the bishop's request rather than calling for an ambulance. About one mile from the hospital, McFadden made a second request: "Joe, would you please give me absolution?"
The pastor recited the prayer of absolution and made the sign of the cross, and McFadden blessed himself. Moments later he slumped over. Resuscitation efforts by Garvin and shortly thereafter of emergency medical personnel were not enough. McFadden was dead at 65 years old.
"I have to say I was in the car focused on getting him to the emergency room and he was focused on getting ready to meet the Lord," Garvin told Baldwin.
McFadden entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook, in 1976, graduating summa cum laude. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 16, 1981 by Cardinal John Krol of Philadelphia in the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul.
On June 22, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him the 10th bishop of Harrisburg. His installation took place Aug. 18, 2010, at St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg.
McFadden was due in Mount Carmel on Sunday to perform the Sacrament of Confirmation at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.