Rev. Mark S. Mealey, OSFS (1950-2025)

Canonist, Diocesan Official, Oblate Leader

With sadness, but with faith in the Resurrection, we announce that our brother, Rev. Mark S. Mealey, OSFS, passed away at the age of 75 on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, after a lengthy illness.  

A canon lawyer by training, Fr. Mealey served in leadership positions in the Diocese of Arlington (VA) and the Diocese of Wilmington (DE), as well as at the province and congregational levels of his religious community, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.  He was a professed member of the Oblate community for 56 years and a priest for 46 years.

Mark was born on April 6, 1950, in Philadelphia, the second of four sons born to Gerald Martin and Alice (Geraghty) Mealey.  He attended Maternity BVM Parochial School in the northeast section of the city.  After graduating in 1968 from Father Judge High School (staffed by the Oblates), Mark entered the Oblate Novitiate in Childs, Maryland.  He made his first profession of vows in 1969 and perpetual profession in 1972. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 1979, by the Most Rev. Edward T. Hughes, D.D., auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

Father Mealey earned a B.A. in History from Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales (now DeSales University); M.A. in History from West Chester State University; M.A. in Theology from De Sales Hall School of Theology, Washington, D.C.; J.C.L. and J.C.D. from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada, as well as a Ph.D. in Canon Law from the University of Ottawa.  His doctoral dissertation, “The Parish Pastoral Council in the United States of America: Applications of Canon 536,” was directed by Father Francis G. Morrisey, OMI, one of the foremost canonists of the post-Vatican II era.

Following ordination, Father Mealey’s first assignment was as Parochial Vicar at the newly established St. John Neumann Parish in Reston, VA (1979-1986).  Fr. Mealey’s parish experience sparked his interest in canon law. This led to him serving as an advocate and later as defender of the bond for the Tribunal of the Diocese of Arlington and eventually pursuing graduate studies in canon law.  While working in the Arlington Tribunal, Father Mealey was mentored by Msgr. Justin D. McClunn, the Judicial Vicar and Vicar General, and during the ensuing years, he even returned during his summer breaks from graduate studies in Ottawa to work at the Tribunal.

After receiving his doctorate in Canon Law, Father Mealey served as a Judge in the Metropolitan Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (1989-1990) and the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Ottawa (1988-2021); Judicial Vicar (1990-2015), Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Services (1999-2015), Vicar General for Administration and Moderator of the Curia in the Diocese of Arlington in Virginia (2004-2015); and Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Wilmington (2015-2021). In his role as Vicar General, he was often designated by the bishop to administer the sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Arlington.

While serving in various leadership positions in the Church, Father Mealey continued to live with his Oblate brothers and assist with sacramental ministry at the following parishes:

St. Joachim Parish (Philadelphia, PA); Our Lady of Good Counsel (Vienna, VA); and St. Anthony of Padua Parish (Wilmington, DE). Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde described Father Mealey, “When you’re speaking with him about any subject – be it theological, canonical, historical – there’s also a pastoral dimension present. He has a pastor’s heart.”

Father Mealey has also served in the ministry of leadership for the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates as a Provincial Councilor and Assistant Provincial (2008-2016), and at the congregational level as Procurator General (1995 -2022), as well as General Councilor and Assistant Superior General (1994-2008).  

Father Mealey was also a member of the Board of Trustees of DeSales University, as well as a member of the Canon Law Society of America.

In addition to tending to the canonical needs of the Oblate community, Father Mealey was a canonical consultant for the Redemptorist Fathers and the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians).

While in the Diocese of Arlington, Father Mealey served on numerous boards and standing committees: the College of Consultors; Diocesan Clergy Personnel Board; the Diocesan Finance Committee; Board of Directors, Arlington Catholic Herald; Board of Directors, Catholic Charities; and the Diocesan Presbyteral Council.

In 2021, Father Mealey retired from active ministry and became a member of the Oblate Community at Annecy Hall in Childs, MD, where he continued to contribute to the community by his prayer, positive presence, sense of humor and gentleness.

In the Church, “care of souls” is the fundamental purpose and foundation of all canon law.  Throughout his life and ministry, this principle guided Father Mealey as he cared for the souls of so many people.   May his soul now rest in peace.

Father Mealey is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his Oblate confreres, his brothers Matt (Rick), Dan (Mary), Kevin (Karen), their spouses, many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. 

Arrangements:

Viewing from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Immaculate Conception Church
454 Bow Street
Elkton, MD 21921

Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM

Burial in the Oblate Cemetery in Childs, MD, immediately after the Mass

Condolences may be sent to:
Mr. Kevin Mealey
208 Worstall Alley
Newtown, PA 18940

 In memory of Father Mealey’s life and legacy, donations may be made to the Oblate Development Fund, P.O. Box 87, Childs, MD 21916-0087 or www.oblates.org