From the Neuhaus Funeral: "This loss tilts the world on its axis"

Deacon's Bench ^ | January 13, 2009 | Deacon Greg Kandra

[NYer]

In New York City today, they crowded into the Church of the Immaculate Conception to bid farewell to Fr. Richard John Neuhaus.

One of the people there was Fr. Frank Mann, of the Diocese of Brooklyn -- a friend and colleague of mine and, it turns out, a man who for many years had Neuhaus as his spiritual director.

Frank slipped out after the homily (by Fr. Raymond de Souza) to give me a quick call and some early impressions of this remarkable event for a remarkable man.

He talked, Frank said, with two Sisters of Life, Sr. Veronica Mary and Sr. Maura Walter. They told him: "Anyone who searched for truth will miss him. People found relationships and friendships through him. He was very gifted at networking people to meet other people."

Frank also bumped into Nathaniel Peters, an assistant editor at First Things. "I asked him," he said, "could you describe Fr. Neuhouse in just one word. And he replied, 'Priest and Father.' He stressed the father aspect. He also said that Neuhaus was the greatest speaker and listener he ever knew, a very gifted listener."

Frank told me about speaking with a parishioner at the parish, Josephine Pucci, who said Neuhaus had been at the parish for 19 years, and said the 7:45 mass almost every morning. He always went out of his way to visit people who were on the sick list, even if it wasn't his duty day. She was flabbergasted to see him stop by her hospital room one morning when she wasn't expecting him. "He was very dedicated to the Lord," she said. "Every homily was related to the gospel and applicable to the every day life of people."

Frank said the church was overflowing -- he couldn't begin to estimate how many were there. From the vestibule to the choir loft, the place was packed. He was particularly impressed to see so many young people there. Lots of Catholics in their 20's and 30's, he said.

In his homily, he said, Fr. De Souza spoke of the words that Neuhaus loved. "Convivium." "Winsome." "Egregious." His most gifted forum, he explained, was the dinner table. He was a sociable person who loved the priesthood, and nurtured priestly vocations. And, the homilist mentioned that Neuhaus was "a mighty warrior for the champion of life." Cardinal O'Connor gave two great gifts to the church, De Souza said: the Sisters of Life and Richard John Neuhaus.

Neuhaus, De Souza went on, stood for prudence, justice, courage, wisdom and holiness. And he called again and again for "fidelity, fidelity, fidelity."

The loss of Neuhaus, De Souza said, "tilts the world on its axis."

Frank also faxed me a copy of the holy card from the mass, and on the back there is this Neuhaus quote:

"Whatever little growth in holiness I have experienced, whatever strength I have received from the company of the saints, whatever understanding I have attained of God and his ways -- these and all other gifts I have received I will bring gratefully to the throne. But in seeking entry to that heavenly kingdom, I will, with Dysmas, look to Christ and Christ alone.

Then I hope to hear him say, 'Today, you will be with me in paradise,' as I hope with all my being -- because, although looking to him alone, I am not alone -- he will say to all."

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

[NYer]

Can’t locate any photos ... perhaps one of you will find something.

[the invisib1e hand]

"This loss tilts the world on its axis"

The Sisters of Life are tilting it back.

[tioga]

[Grut]

Nothing against Fr. Neuhaus, but:

"The cemetaries are full of indispensible men." - Charles DeGaulle

[livius]

He was a very humble man and certainly would not have thought himself indispensible. But he is going to be sorely missed, especially in the times that lie ahead of us.

[Beauceron]

When I discovered it a few years ago, First Things became one of my favorite journals. It’s amazing how that magazine could pack in so much of interest— and so much you could find no where else, both in subject matter and thoughtfulness— it’s inexpensive too!

He will be missed.

[Tax-chick]

I agree with the sentiment, as Fr. Neuhaus also would, but I’m sure Gen. DeGaulle spelled “cemetery” correctly.

I saw a film of Mother Teresa once, in which someone said to her, “No one can replace you, Mother!” and she responded, “Anyone God wants can replace me!”

[NYer]

I saw a film of Mother Teresa once, in which someone said to her, “No one can replace you, Mother!” and she responded, “Anyone God wants can replace me!”

Awesome! I'm sure the same could be said about Mother Angelica and a host of others. I often watch Bob & Penny Lord's prgram "Super Saints" and always come away with tremendous respect and deep humility for those who have preceded us. Then I remember Mother Angelica's words: "Everyone is called to be a saint", and get back to working on personal spiritual growth. Someone commented on another thread that God does not call us home until we are ripe.

[Tax-chick]

Mother Angelica's words: "Everyone is called to be a saint",

True, and we can believe that for every example like Mother Angelica, Mother Teresa, or Fr. Neuhaus, there were many God called who did not respond. We all have the obligation not only to pursue holiness personally, but also to help others.

[Grut]

...but I’m sure Gen. DeGaulle spelled “cemetery” correctly.

Mea maxima culpa! But I'm pretty sure that back in the day, any way DeGaulle chose to spell 'cemetery' would have been inarguably correct. ;^)

[Tax-chick]

any way DeGaulle chose to spell 'cemetery' would have been inarguably correct

LOL - probably true. And if Gen. Franco wanted to spell "cemetario" with an S, that would have been right, too.

[Red Reign]

Anyone know if any of Fr. Neuhaus’ homilies were ever recorded? I would love to hear him speak.

[NYer]

Anyone know if any of Fr. Neuhaus’ homilies were ever recorded? I would love to hear him speak.

You're in luck! Father Neuhaus Homilies

[Red Reign]

Outstanding! Thank you very much, sir!