Father Richard John Neuhaus, founder of First Things magazine, convert, and priest, died this morning in New York. He was diagnosed with cancer late last year and was admitted to the hospital after Christmas due to side effects from the cancer.
As a sometime Catholic journalist myself, Fr. Neuhaus was one of those I strived to emulate, but I did so only poorly. His erudition, wit, and communication skill far surpassed that of the rest of us. We have lost a great priest, writer, and public leader, but hopefully we have gained an advocate in heaven.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
I was at the airport in NY this morning when I first read he was very ill. On arrival home I read your announcement. Rest in peace, Fr. First Things is a unique journal – I don’t know how it will carry on without him.
A scholar, gentleman and true son of the Church. Too bad more of his colleagues were not as orthodox as Father Neuhaus. While others promoted dissent from Magisterial teaching, he taught fidelity and docility to the truth.
Like Cardinal Dulles, Neuhaus’ passing is a loss for the Catholic Church in America but also one of our shining stars to inspire others for years to come.
Did you get to read his essay on death-that we are born towards death? Interesting thoughts.
Jen
http://www.firstthings.com/article.php3?id_article=2538&var_recherche=death