Richard John Neuhaus, 1936–2009 (Rest in Peace)

First Things ^ | January 8, 2009 | Joseph Bottum

[NYer]

Fr. Richard John Neuhaus slipped away today, January 8, shortly before 10 o’clock, at the age of seventy-two. He never recovered from the weakness that sent him to the hospital the day after Christmas, caused by a series of side effects from the cancer he was suffering. He lost consciousness Tuesday evening after a collapse in his heart rate, and the next day, in the company of friends, he died.

My tears are not for him—for he knew, all his life, that his Redeemer lives, and he has now been gathered by the Lord in whom he trusted.

I weep, rather for all the rest of us. As a priest, as a writer, as a public leader in so many struggles, and as a friend, no one can take his place. The fabric of life has been torn by his death, and it will not be repaired, for those of us who knew him, until that time when everything is mended and all our tears are wiped away.

Funeral arrangements are still being planned; information about the funeral will be made public shortly. Please accept our thanks for all your prayers and good wishes.

In Deepest Sorrow,

Joseph Bottum
Editor

[NYer]

Born Toward Dying - Fr. Richard Neuhaus' essay on death.

[pgkdan]

R.I.P. Father.

[Aquinasfan]

I weep, rather for all the rest of us. As a priest, as a writer, as a public leader in so many struggles, and as a friend, no one can take his place.

He's simply irreplaceable. Fr. Neuhaus was one of the Catholic cultural greats of the last century. I'd rank him up there with Chesterton.

[Mad Dawg]

Oh my. May he be blessed and continue to be a blessing for us.

[Chickensoup]

Amen, a great Christian. I will miss his voice.

[Varda]

Fr. Richard Neuhaus battled openly an unapologetically for his beliefs. He was an example to us all. Godspeed Fr. Neuhaus.

[B-Chan]

A tremendous loss. May God rest his soul.

[marshmallow]

Well done, good and faithful servant.........

[caseinpoint]

My condolences to Catholic Freepers and all good-hearted people everywhere. It seems a great champion have moved on to another venue where he can continue to fight for the fight unencumbered by a frail frame.

[Tax-chick]

Oh, how sad. I’ll miss his writing very much.

[trisham]

I weep, rather for all the rest of us. As a priest, as a writer, as a public leader in so many struggles, and as a friend, no one can take his place. The fabric of life has been torn by his death, and it will not be repaired, for those of us who knew him, until that time when everything is mended and all our tears are wiped away.

********************

Amen. May he rest in peace.

[NYer]

Fr. Neuhaus was one of the Catholic cultural greats of the last century.

One of my favorite Neuhaus quotes: “Socialism is the religion people get when they lose their religion" .

He's right up there with the 'greats'; he will be sorely missed. Who will ever forget his instructive commentary throughout the last conclave. He was a loss for the Lutherans and tremendous gift to us Catholics.

[r9etb]

Fr. Neuhaus was one of the Catholic cultural greats of the last century.

True ... although it is interesting to recall that Fr. Neuhaus was a Lutheran who converted to Catholicism in (iirc) the late '80s or early '90s.

[kalee]

Sad news, may his family and frinds find comfort knowing he is with the Lord, whom he loved so much.

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[annalex]

Fr. Richard John Neuhaus

Memory Eternal

[Reo]

R.I.P. Father Neuhaus. Thank you for your example as a faithful servant.

It was his conversion, and his explanation of it in First Things, that started me thinking about my own Tiber River swim.

[carpediem365]

A great loss. This is one Protestant that never tires of reading First Things, and especially the last section.

[GonzoII]

R.I.P.