Ashburn, Virginia — Francis X. Doyle, the first general secretary of the American Catholic Bishops Conference in Washington, died on September 10 at his home in Ashburn after a brief illness. he was 89 years old.
Doyle experienced symptoms of a stroke on August 8 and was admitted to Inova Loudoun Hospital in Virginia. After a week of hospitalization, he was discharged to a Waltonwood Assisted Living apartment in Ashburn where he received hospice care.
Doyle’s funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark’s Church in Vienna on September 19, followed by his burial at Flint Hill Cemetery.
Doyle joined the staff of the Bishops Conference (then called the National Catholic Bishops Conference – Catholic Conference of America) in 1971 as Deputy Director of Government Liaison.
He was appointed deputy secretary-general of the two conferences in 1984, a position he held for 11 years, not including a six-month break in 1986 after surgery. He retired on his December 31, 1995.
He oversaw the personnel and financial operations of the bishops’ national offices and served on the staff of the Bishops’ Commission on Personnel, Administrative and Economic Affairs of the Holy See.
He also served on the staff of the National Advisory Board, an advisory body of about 50 bishops, priests, religious and lay people, who regularly advised bishops on issues facing them at the national level. rice field.
In the late 1980s, Doyle oversaw the construction of the new NCCB-USCC headquarters near the American Catholic University in Washington’s Brookland neighborhood and the move of staff offices to the new building.
The NCCB dealt with issues such as doctrine, liturgy, canon law, seminaries, priestly life and ministry, religious life, permanent deacons, ecumenical and interfaith issues, pro-life activities, and other issues. USCC reflects the Catholic Church’s commitment to the world in the fields of education, social justice, and communication.
After extensive research, planning, and discussion, the bishops adopted a restructuring plan in 2001 to integrate the NCCB and USCC into the current United States Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Born July 13, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York, Doyle attended Brooklyn Prep and Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts, graduating in 1955. He holds a law degree from St. John’s College in Jamaica, New York.
Before joining the staff of the US Bishops Conference, I taught high school while attending law school at night. He has also served as an FBI Special Agent, Assistant Vice President of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of the United States and Canada, and Executive Director of the National Catholic Development Council.
Doyle was always active in his church, particularly in St. Mark’s Parish in his hometown of Vienna, where he held many roles, notably as chairman of the parish council and as pastor for many years.
“Serving the country as a U.S. Marine was another important part of his life,” the family wrote in an obituary post.
He also “loved the Marine Corps hymn,” they said.
“Frank is most proud of his family and his legacy lives on through them. It was done,” said the obituary.
“Whether they were friends of his child, medical professionals treating him, or waiters at a restaurant, he asked where they came from, what they studied, and where they studied. If they are from another country, they will try to converse in their native language, even if they only know words and phrases.
He leaves behind an incredible legacy of love, service, family and a truly fulfilling life.”
Doyle was widowed by his wife of 55 years, Carol. He leaves behind his four children of the couple and their spouses, 11 grandchildren and his one great-grandchild.
