Remembering Father James B. Doran, OMV

Father James Bernard Doran, OMV, preaches during Mass. (Photo provided)

The Archdiocese of Denver joins the Oblates of the Virgin Mary in mourning the tragic passing of Father James Bernard Doran, OMV, who died on May 9, after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle in Milton, Massachusetts. He was 68 years old. 

Though Fr. Jim served only briefly at Holy Ghost Church in Denver, his quiet strength and deep spirituality left a lasting impression on parishioners and clergy alike. His bond with the area remains strong through his extended family, many of whom still call the greater Denver area home.  

Father Doran lived a life of humble, faithful service to Christ and his Church. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 6, 1986, in Brazil, where he spent nearly two decades ministering in the Amazon, serving some of the most remote and underserved communities. 

In 2003, he returned to the United States, continuing his priestly ministry across the province in communities including Hawaiian Gardens, California, Boston, Massachusetts, and Denver. Regardless of where he served, Father Doran brought with him a spirit of prayer, dedication and a missionary heart that touched all who encountered him. 

Born on May 30, 1956, in Jamestown, Pennsylvania, Father Doran was deeply formed both academically and spiritually. He studied at the College of St. Thomas in Minnesota, earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Gannon University in 1980, and completed a bachelor's in sacred theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome in 1984. 

Father Doran will be remembered for his gentle demeanor, unwavering faith and deep love for the Church. Rooted in the charism of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, his life was a quiet witness to the power of prayer and self-giving love. 

He was the eldest of eleven children born to James B. and Johanna McElhinny Doran. He is preceded in death by his parents, as well as two brothers, John and Peter, a sister-in-law Mary, and two nephews, Peter and John.

He is survived by eight siblings: Reverend Mother Mary of Jesus, OCD, of the Carmel of the Holy Spirit, Littleton, CO, Michael, Molly (Robert) Sylvia, sister-in-law Louise Ann (Peter), Megan (Kevin) Flanagan, Matthew, Theresa (William) Dougherty, Joseph (Melissa), Thomas (Sarah), and numerous nephews and nieces.

To honor his life and ministry, funeral services in Denver will be held at Holy Ghost Church on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The services will begin with a period of visitation and the recitation of the Rosary at 8:00 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Internment at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wheat Ridge will take place after Mass. 

Clergy who wish to concelebrate the Funeral Mass are warmly welcomed and asked to contact Father Paul Nguyen, OMV, the parish’s pastor, in advance. 

As we commend Father Doran to the infinite mercy of God, we ask for prayers for the repose of his soul, as well as for his family, his Oblate brothers and all those he has served. May Our Lady, whom he served with such devotion, lead him to the eternal embrace of her Son. 

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.