In Fond Memory of Avery Cardinal Dulles

“Many politicians, like much of the American public, seem to be unaware that abortion and euthanasia are serious violations of the inalienable right to life.  These are not just 'Church' issues but are governed by the natural law of God, which is binding upon all human beings. The right to life is the most fundamental of all rights, since a person deprived of life has no other rights.”

Avery Cardinal Dulles

Avery Dulles died on Friday, 12 December, at the age of 90. He was one of the greatest persons I ever met.  Certainly, he was one of the most brilliant persons I ever knew in my life.  And, although we tread on dangerous grounds when we speculate about holiness, I would venture to say that he was a man of profound holiness.  I came to know him when I was a student in Boston College and he was one of my teachers.  I knew even then that I was rubbing elbows with greatness.  Some years later, I happened to run into him on the campus of Catholic University in Washington, DC.  He was out taking a walk with Fr. Joseph Zalotay, another great teacher of mine.  We chatted briefly.

A couple of years ago, I drove up to Scranton in order to attend a lecture he was giving.  Afterwards, we spoke a few personal words to one another.  That was the last time I saw him. 

As a man grows older, he thinks about “fathers”.   I am growing older.  I think about my own father.  And I think about other men --- older men --- whose paths have intersected mine and who have done me good.  Almost all of them are dead now.  Avery Dulles was one of the few who were still among the living.  Now Avery is gone. 

A light has gone out.

I look forward to a reunion someday with these many good fathers — my own father first and then the other fathers who have taught me by word and example how to be a man and how to be passionate for the truth and how to love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength.  Fathers like Avery Dulles. 

May he rest in peace and may he be raised up in splendor on the last day.