John Zmirak

January 08, 2009

A good man has left us: Fr. Richard John Neuhaus. He was an eloquent writer, a serious thinker, a generous and witty commentator on the cultural scene, whose theological insights were always of interest. The magazine he founded, First Things, has always been one of the few consistently worth reading, issue to issue. His monthly, massive column “The Public Square” is a true journalistic achievement, of which any writer might be proud. Of course, I’ve differed with many of the positions taken in the magazine—not usually by Neuhaus—and I wonder what will become of it now, after his departure for happier shores. But this is not the time to argue such differences, but to join together in offering prayers for his immortal soul, and ask that he speedily receive the reward every priest, every baptized soul, pursues.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Fr. Neuhaus, you will be missed.

Update: My friend Fr. George Rutler, who attended Fr. Neuhaus on his deathbed, wrote an eloquent appreciation that should explain just why Fr. Neuhaus will be missed.