Thursday, January 8, 2009

Fr. Richard John Neuhaus, Rest in Peace

The following sad news comes from the editor of First Things:

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; more 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
First Things


3 comments:

Carlos Echevarria said...

I had just written about him last evening, to keep in our prayers, I thought he was getting better...

Today he is with the Lord, thank you for posting this, I was a huge fan of his.

Padre Steve said...

Yes, I agree. He was a great writer, commentator and priest. He will be missed.

prayerwarrior4Jesus said...

May Fr. John Neuhaus be gazing upon the Beatific Vision as I write this. He was a blessing to our Church and God's people. Thank you, good and faithful servant!