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In Memoriam: Fr. Dennis T. Glasgow, SJ
Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. Dennis T. Glasgow, SJ, who died on March 7, 2024 at St. Joseph / Trinity Health Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, Michigan. He was 72 years old. May he rest in peace. Dennis is survived by his siblings: Peter Glasgow and Judith Beeker. He is preceded in death by his siblings: John Matwiejczyk and Pamela Glasgow. Dennis was born on May 21, 1951 in Wyandotte, Michigan. Before entering the Society, he earned a bachelor's degree in French and secondary education from the University of Michigan (1974). He entered the Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus on September 5, 1976 at Loyola House Jesuit Novitiate in Berkley, Michigan. He was ordained a priest on June 16, 1984 at Gesu Parish in Detroit, Michigan, and pronounced final vows on April 22, 2005 at St. Mary's Student Parish in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While in the Society, Dennis earned a master's degree in philosophy from the University of Detroit (1979). He earned a licentiate in Sacred Theology from Centre Sèvres in Paris, France (1984), a master's degree in theology from Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts (1985), and a licentiate degree in sacred scriptures from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, Italy (1992). He also did doctoral studies in biblical theology studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute (1992-1996). During regency, Dennis taught French at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (1979-1981). After ordination, he was the director of campus ministry at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio (1985-1988). In 1996 while Dennis was writing his dissertation at Gesu Parish in University Heights, Ohio, he had a major heart attack and spent some years caring for his health. He was missioned to be the associate pastor at St. Mary Student Parish in Ann Arbor (2000-2012). In 2012, Dennis moved to Colombiere Center to care for his health and pray for the Church and the Society. Dennis was rooted in Christ and the Eucharist. His relationship with Jesus deepened throughout his life as he experienced challenges, health issues, and setbacks. These difficult experiences helped Dennis to realize Christ's unlimited love for him. Because his faith was like "gold that had been tested in fire", Dennis had a great capacity to listen to people -- especially people experiencing difficulties or challenges in their lives. People who spoke with Dennis felt that he not only listened to them but really heard what they were saying. His own struggles helped Dennis to respond to others with love and compassion. Fr. Don Vettese, SJ, a novitiate classmate, expressed: "Dennis took joy in his life as a Jesuit. He had a sensitive and gentle soul that made him, for me, easy to be with. God bless Dennis as he enters eternal life."  Fr. Peter Bernardi, SJ, a novitiate classmate of Dennis, states: Dennis Glasgow was a gentle, warm-hearted, balanced, prayerful Jesuit with a gift for languages and multi-cultural friendships, a dedication to Scripture [an SSL from the Biblicum], and a love for sacramental and pastoral ministry. Among his friends were Cardinal Lustiger and Martin Sheen. He was especially devoted to his younger sister Pamela who was afflicted with Down's Syndrome. He bore the cross of his own poor health with patience and fortitude. Freed from his bodily infirmities, may Dennis be welcomed into eternal communion with our Lord and all the saints! Fr. Tom Florek, SJ, also a novitiate classmate, has these memories of Dennis: Denny, a happy & peaceful fellow Jesuit who cared deeply for his sister Pamela with Down's Syndrome together with his family, had a pastoral gift to work & socialize effectively among diverse groups of people. He moved with ease among our Jesuit novitiate class as he did with friends and colleagues during his time of Scripture studies in Rome, at Gesu Parish in University Heights (Cleveland), at St. Mary’s Student Parish in Ann Arbor, especially among the Spanish speaking community. Dennis’ gift of heart was also his cross. While unable to perform most pastoral duties because of a weakened heart, Dennis became an active community member of the Colombiere community. Denny helped arrange our 45th Novitiate class reunion at Colombiere which brought together dispersed members of our class of 1976. His welcoming hospitality was a gift for all of us. We’re grateful for Denny’s friendship.  Fr. John Ferone, SJ, has these thoughts about Dennis: Dennis was a man of passion who knew how to enjoy life. He had a number of passions close to his heart. He loved the world of books and scholarship. I think he could have spent his entire life in school, or at least in a well stocked library. The Scriptures, especially the Gospel of Luke held endless fascination for him. And I believe he was at his best when he was preaching on Luke. Dennis loved being a Jesuit priest and loved being deeply involved with the Church. He would often share some of the moments where he most felt the Church to be his home, the places he prayed and ministered, the people he met, many of whom were bishops and cardinals. Many of these encounters and activities took place in Paris. And I 'm not sure if he ever felt so much at home, or in love with the Church, as he did in Paris. Dennis had a true passion for everything French. Its history, culture, language, architecture, music, literature and its food.  Food, in fact -- and not just French food -- was one of Dennis's great joys. He knew how to appreciate a well prepared and presented meal. He knew how to savor wine. And he especially enjoyed long, deep conversations, sometimes for hours with a gathering of friends at the table. But perhaps what was closest to his heart was revealed when he spoke about his family, especially about his younger sister Pamela who had Down Syndrome. Pamela was an inspiration for Dennis: her simplicity, her overwhelming sense of childlike love, her enthusiasm and appreciation for everything, her gratitude. Dennis would often speak of her and how easy it was to find Jesus in her, in his homilies, Pamela gave Dennis another way of seeing and living in the world, a world of beauty, a world of joy, but also a world where there can be long term suffering. I believe that Dennis learned a lot from his younger sister. And I have no doubt that it was reflecting on her life that gave Dennis a model to follow, especially in the last years, where he battled his own numerous health issues, his growing to depend more and more on others, and his ongoing challenge to accept his own human limitations.
In Memoriam: Fr. Albert J. Fritsch, SJ
Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. Albert J. Fritsch, SJ, who died on March 5, 2024 at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan. He was 90 years old. May he rest in peace. Al is survived by his siblings: Charles Fritsch, Edward Fritsch, Frank Fritsch, and Mary Patricia Hoover. He is preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Harmeyer. Al was born on September 30, 1933 in Washington, Kentucky. Before entering the Society, he earned a bachelor's degree (1955) and a master's degree (1956) in chemistry from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He entered the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus on September 1, 1956 at the Jesuit novitiate in Milford, Ohio. He was ordained a priest on June 8, 1967 at Bellarmine School of Theology in North Aurora, Illinois, and pronounced final vows on August 15, 1973 at Xavier University. While in the Society, Al earned a doctorate in organic chemistry from Fordham University in Bronx, New York (1964). In 1968 he earned a licentiate degree in Sacred Theology (1968) from Bellarmine School of Theology in North Aurora, Illinois. During the years that his Jesuit cohorts were missioned to regency, Al was in doctoral studies at Fordham University. After theology Studies and ordination, Al was a research associate at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas (1969-1970) before being missioned to Washington, D.C., where he worked with Ralph Nader as a chemistry consultant at the Center for the Study of Responsive Law (1970-1971). Al then became the co-founder and co-director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (1971-1977). In 1977, Al was missioned to Kentucky where he took his knowledge and understanding from working with the Center for Science in the Public Interest and founded Appalachia Science in the Public Interest, a non-profit resource center advocating for sustainable development, responsible resource management, and informed personal choices. Al was the executive director of Appalachia Science in the Public Interest for twenty-five years (1977-2002). In 2002, Al was missioned to sacramental and pastoral ministry in Kentucky at: Good Shepherd Parish in Frankfort (2003-2004), Our Lady of the Mountains Parish in Stanton (2004-2008), and St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Ravenna where he was pastor (2008-2023). While doing pastoral ministry, Al continued researching and writing about environmental issues and sustainability. He began the website EarthHealing.info in 2004 and posted [often] daily reflections and videos about living sustainable lives and caring for the earth. Al was missioned to Colombiere Center in 2023 to care for his health and to pray for the Church and the Society. Al was a devoted priest, a conscientious scientist, and a prolific writer. Al's love and care for the earth and environmental advocacy started early in his life — and long before Universal Apostolic Preference #4 existed — as can be seen in the title of his first book (which was published in 1972): A Theology of the Earth - The Contrasumers: A Citizens Guide to Resource Conservation. His integration of science, research, scholarship, writing, and serving as a voice for those without such a voice was incredibly well-integrated. His passionate search for justice on behalf of those who were marginalized or ignored by corporations who demonstrated little or no concern for people impacted by their negligence was fearless, remarkable, and grounded in the Catholic social ethics of the Roman Catholic Church.   In addition to his care for the earth, Al was a real man of prayer, had a devotion to the sainthood cause of Père Jacques Marquette, and served his parishioners with deep devotion. [In spite of living alone for a good portion of his life,] Al was a fine community man who delighted in sharing sacraments, meals, and conversations with his brother Jesuits. He also was never afraid to stir the pot if he felt such was necessary to speak the truth - but always done respectfully.  He was a true son of the commonwealth of Kentucky and was grounded in and relied on the simple but profoundly deep faith of his parents and siblings. His writings, poetry, podcasts, and everyday conversations were a rich source of intellectual and pastoral engagement for parts of the Church that were often considered on the periphery. Parishioners remember how "Fr. Al" fostered a welcoming and accepting parish community. They fondly remember helping him to plant fruit trees and install solar panels on the parish property. He was always available to those in need and was instrumental in strengthening the faith — and environmental consciousness — of the parish community. Finally, Fr. Al's entire life was about service to others and making the world a better place, whether it was through his sermons, his publications, his environmental work, his website, and his Facebook page. When asked in a 2020 interview about his time in Washington, Al stated: At that time, we thought the environmental problems would be solved quickly. The first issues we worked on — lead in gasoline, tobacco, asbestos — actually were addressed pretty quickly. There was ample bipartisan interest in doing something, and several issues were cleared up with some government regulation. I actually thought I’d be moving on to something else. As we progressed, however, we recognized bigger underlying issues. We came to the conclusion that consumer addiction was a problem that was not going to be solved quickly. We couldn’t even contemplate the future ravages of climate change at that time! Fr. Walter Bado, SJ, has these thoughts about Al: Al deserves a choir of angels singing St. Francis' Canticle of the sun for all he did to cherish and nourish Mother Earth and her divine milieu. In addition to his researching, writing, and podcasting in connection with "Appalachia: Science in the Public Interest", Al served as pastor in the newly created missionary diocese of Lexington, Kentucky. First, at Good Shepherd parish in Frankfort — with the condition (agreed to by the then head of the diocese, Bishop Ronald Gainer) that he wouldn't have to attend all the parish meetings! Al then served for almost two decades as pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, an outlying parish in rural Kentucky. There he continued to maintain his simple life style, living off the produce of his model fruit-and-vegetable garden adjoining the parish rectory. But in his homilies, he continued to give God's people the message of just stewardship of God's bounty. May Al rejoice in the heavenly singing.
In Memoriam: Fr. John F. Libens, SJ
Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. John F. Libens, SJ, who died on February 28, 2024 at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan. He was 84 years old. May he rest in peace. John is preceded in death by his siblings: William Libens, Sr. Helen Libens, H.M., and Margaret Bernasco. John was born on September 28, 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio. Before entering the Society, he graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio. He entered the Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus on August 14, 1957 at the Jesuit novitiate in Milford, Ohio, but, because of the size of his entrance class, spent his novice years in the Jesuit novitiate in Wernersville, Pennsylvania. He was ordained a priest on June 6, 1970 at St. Patrick's Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and pronounced final vows on April 27, 1978 at St. John's Jesuit High School in Toledo, Ohio. While in the Society, John earned a bachelor's degree in Latin (1962), a master's degree in sociology (1969), and a master's of divinity (1971) from Loyola University Chicago. He also earned a licentiate in philosophy (1964) from West Baden College in West Baden Springs, Illinois, and a licentiate in Sacred Theology (1970) from Bellarmine School of Theology in North Aurora, Illinois. During regency, John taught Latin and sociology at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland (1964-1965) and, when it was re-established in 1965, at St. John's Jesuit High School in Toledo, Ohio (1965-1967). After ordination, John returned to Toledo where he spent twelve years ministering at St. John's Jesuit High School. While at St. John's, he was a teacher, the academic assistant principal (1970-1971), principal (1971-1978), and president (1980-1982). The year after ending his presidency, John spent one year as a retreat director at Manresa Jesuit Retreat House in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. John was then missioned to internal governance for the Detroit Province where he was provincial assistant for formation, studies, continuing education, and province planning (1983-1988). In 1986, in addition to his other duties, he became the provincial assistant for secondary education. John was rector of the Weston Jesuit Community in Cambridge, Massachusetts (1988-1994), before being appointed the provincial of the Detroit Province (1995-2001). He continued providing excellent care of Jesuits as superior of the Loyola University Chicago First Studies Program (2001-2006) and as superior of the Loyola University Chicago Jesuit community (2003-2006). In 2007, John returned to his hometown (Cleveland) and ministered at St. Ignatius High School where he was the dean of teachers and curriculum (2007-2012), interim president (2008-2009), and superior of the Jesuit community (2010-2013). John then was moved to Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, where he spent four years as superior (2013-2017) before being missioned in 2017 to care for his health. John was a devoted priest who always kept Jesus -- and the Eucharist -- at the core of his life. He loved the Society of Jesus and, in addition to knowing and being able to quote the documents, was able to truly live the spirit of the Society. John expressed great cura personalis especially for younger Jesuits and those Jesuits encountering any sort of issue or problem in their life. Because it was so easy to talk with and confide in him, many people sought John out for advice, counsel, or support. John's care of others helped him to be a great administrator and leader. Whether he was ministering in internal governance, helping teachers to hone their craft, or re-establishing St. John's High School in Toledo, he always desired to form "men and women for others" and help everyone live a "faith that does justice". John loved spending time with Jesuits at the dinner table, in the community room, or at Villa Marquette in Omena, Michigan, where, during his provincialate, he had his "summer office". He loved talking with Jesuits about anything. His infectious laughter encouraged others to enjoy John's joke or clever turn-of-phrase. He was an avid bridge player, and, until macular degeneration interfered, a voracious reader of fiction. Finally, those who knew John were aware that he was cautious about spending money -- he was not miserly but he never wanted to squander any of the Society's resources. Fr. Timothy Kesicki, SJ, has this to say about John: It was at Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland that John first met the Society and discerned his vocation to become a Jesuit. While he set his heart on secondary education, and generously served this apostolate, he also made himself available for the greater needs of the Society and the Church. His service as a formation director, theologate rector, and provincial gave witness to his vow of obedience. His passion and love for the Society continue in many of us who were inspired by his love of Christ. Fr. Walter Deye, SJ, has these memories of John: To me he was a kind, wise, large-hearted Jesuit. His love and care for the Society was inspiring. And he had a great, hearty laugh!
In Memoriam: Fr. James (Jake) L. Empereur, SJ
Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. James L. (Jake) Empereur, SJ, who died on February 24, 2024 at St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwautosa, Wisconsin. He was 90 years old. May he rest in peace. Jake is preceded in death by his siblings: Anthony Empereur, Shirley Woyak, and Deanna Miller. Jake was born in Fairbanks Township, Wisconsin, on December 21, 1933. He entered the Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus on August 8, 1952 at St. Stanislaus Jesuit novitiate in Florissant, Missouri. He became a member of the Wisconsin Province when it was created in 1955. He was ordained a priest on June 8, 1965 at the Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and pronounced final vows on August 15, 1973 at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley (JSTB) in Berkeley, California. While in the Society, Jake earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from St. Louis University (1959). He earned a licentiate degree in Sacred Theology from Woodstock College in Woodstock, Maryland (1967). Jake earned his doctorate in historical and liturgical theology from the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley, California (1972). During regency, Jake taught Latin, history, and theology at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1959-1962). After ordination and graduate studies, Jake taught liturgical and systematic theology at JSTB and at GTU for almost 25 years (1969-1993). After a well-earned sabbatical, Jake spent almost three decades performing pastoral ministry at the Cathedral of San Fernando (1994-2008) and St. Matthew Catholic Church (2009-2021) in San Antonio, Texas. In 2021, Jake was missioned to St. Camillus Jesuit Community to pray for the Church and the Society. Jake taught a great number of Jesuit priests about liturgical theology and the Liturgy. He had an important influence over the development of a theological and liturgical sense in many young priests. With the foundation and understanding that Jake provided, these priests have influenced the way that countless people experience Christ in the Eucharist. While at JSTB, Jake founded the Institute for Spirituality and Worship, a nine-month renewal program which has trained people from all around the world. He also was the founding editor of Modern Liturgy Magazine, which is now the Ministry and Liturgy Magazine.  He was an engaging teacher, creative liturgist, and challenging preacher, and a spiritual director for many years. He offered workshops internationally on the theology of the Second Vatican Council and authored several books including: La Vida Sacra; The Enneagram and Spiritual Direction: Nine Paths to Spiritual Guidance; Spiritual Direction & the Gay Person; and The Liturgy that Does Justice. While ministering at parishes in San Antonio, Jake prepared countless parishioners in English and Spanish to assume leadership roles in the Church. Jake kept a positive attitude until the end. Recently, he said, "patience with health troubles is important" and “I live in the present but stay connected to past relationships so they can be part of the present.” [His regular correspondence with friends numbered 50+ in Spanish and English.] He also had great hope for the future of the Society of Jesus. This hope is expressed in his statement: "I expect young Jesuits are able to carry on as needed in changing times.” Fr. Michael Moynahan, SJ, had this to say about Jake: I was a student of Jake Empereur’s way back in theology, then a graduate student of his at the GTU. He was my teacher, my mentor, my colleague and friend. He was, for my class which includes Mario Prietto, SJ, John Mossi, SJ, Bill Muller, SJ, and me, arguably the most significant influence on our priestly and pastoral formation. While these last few years of his life were not his easiest or most enjoyable, when I spoke with him, he always spoke of the extraordinary care he was receiving at St. Camillus Jesuit Community. My thanks to all the care professionals.
In Memoriam: Fr. David H. Gau, SJ
Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. David H. Gau, SJ, who died on February 9, 2024 in Wauwautosa, Wisconsin. He was 93 years old. May he rest in peace. Dave is survived by his brother, James, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his siblings: Paul Gau, Martina Winckler, and Rose Nickel. Dave was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on November 8, 1930. He attended Marquette University for one year before entering the Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus on August 17, 1949 at St. Stanislaus Jesuit novitiate in Florissant, Missouri. He became a member of the Wisconsin Province when it was created in 1955. He was ordained a priest on June 12, 1962 at the Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and pronounced final vows on August 15, 1965 at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While in the Society, Dave earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy (1955) and a master's degree in history (1959) from St. Louis University. He also earned a bachelor's degree in Sacred Theology from St. Mary's College in St. Mary, Kansas (1964). During his first year of regency, Dave taught Latin and math at St. Francis Mission on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota (1956-1957). His second year of Regency was at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska, where he taught history and speech (1957-1958). After ordination, Dave taught Latin and French at Marquette University High School (MUHS) for nineteen years (1964-1983). While at MUHS, Dave was also rector (1972-1975) and minister (1977-1982) of the MUHS Jesuit community. In 1983, Dave returned to South Dakota to minister to Native Americans. He was the associate director of the Mother Butler Center in Rapid City (1983-1984), the associate director of the Sioux Spiritual Center in Plainview (1984-1988), and the associate pastor of St. Francis Mission (1989-2001). Dave then ministered for ten years as the associate pastor of St. Margaret's Church in Riverton, Wyoming, before being missioned [in 2011] to St. Camillus Jesuit Community to pray for the Church and the Society. Dave was a quiet, steady, and practical man, He was an excellent teacher, a good pastor, and a good companion in community. He touched the lives of many, many people. He lived simply and worked easily with the poor. He was gentle with others.  In the fall, Dave spoke to Fr. Chris Manahan, SJ, about how he learned the art of conversation and listening from his years on the Native American reservations and, not one to get to know people quickly, often found it difficult to establish close relationships as his contemporaries passed. Fr. Doug Leonhardt, SJ, has this to say about Dave: Dave Gau was the superior of the Marquette High community when I went there as principal, two years after ordination. He was a man of few words but when he spoke, they were always words of compassion, care, interest in an individual, never about himself. I will always be grateful for his encouragement and support of me as a community member and administrator. But what stood out more for me was his tender care of two of the men in the community who suffered from mental illness which debilitated them at times. He made sure they had the best care and he always showed them kindness and encouragement in their life and in their ministry. He was a true and true Jesuit whose heart was filled with kindness and pastoral love. This made his ministry in Wyoming so effective among the Native Americans. It was a privilege to be with him in community at St. Camillus. Dave was aways low maintenance but high performance in his love of God and his brothers. Fr. George Winzenburg, SJ, has these memories of Dave: Dave was kind, thoughtful, and intelligent. He was an avid reader, an adventurous traveler, and a lifelong learner who gave his mind and heart to everyone he served. He enjoyed stimulating conversations about literature, classical music, theology, religion, and current events. He listened well and was an astute observer. He regularly attended organ concerts and symphonies. He used a walker and walked outside every day for an hour, unless there was ice on the sidewalk or bitter temperatures. He wanted to keep his legs strong.  He loved teaching French at Marquette University High School (MUHS) and often spoke of his two sabbatical years in France: 1968-1969 at College St. Joseph, Bordeaux, and 1976-1977 at College Ste. Genevieve, Versailles.   In 1983, he left MUHS after teaching for 19 years. He said, “I should leave the boys before they leave me.” After some years in Rapid City and Plainview, South Dakota, he moved to St. Francis Mission to do parish ministry. He gained many insights about himself and the human condition by his pastoral ministry with the Lakota. He was a popular associate pastor at St. Margaret's Church in Wyoming. He kept in touch with friends by letters and phone calls. A diocesan priest and a rancher visited Dave in Milwaukee and they went fishing on Lake Michigan. After moving to St. Camillus in 2011, Dave celebrated mass in a nursing home for ten years. 
In Memoriam: Fr. Daniel P. Liderbach, SJ
Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. Daniel P. Liderbach, SJ, who died on February 1, 2024 at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan. He was 82 years old. May he rest in peace. Dan is survived by his siblings: John, Brian, Mark, Mary, Kathleen Reese, Sharon Davidson, and Susan Mejia. Dan was born on March 17, 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio. Before entering the Society, he graduated from Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio. He entered the Detroit Province of the Society of Jesus on September 1, 1958 at the Jesuit novitiate in Milford, Ohio. He was ordained a priest on June 2, 1973 at St. Patrick's Church in Cleveland, Ohio, and pronounced final vows on December 8, 1978 at Rodman Hall, the Jesuit Community of John Carroll University. While in the Society, Dan earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy (1954) and a licentiate in philosophy (1965) from Loyola University Chicago. He earned a master's degree in theology (1973) and a doctorate degree in systematic theology (1979) from the University of St. Michael in Toronto, Ontario. The title of his dissertation was: "The Theology of Suffering of Martin Luther in Modern Translation: A comparative study in the roots of the theology of suffering of Dietrich Bonhoeffer." In 1983, Dan earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology from Regis College in Toronto, Ontario. During regency, Dan taught math at St. John's Jesuit High School & Academy in Toledo, Ohio (1965-1968). Early in his Jesuit life, Dan had surgery to remove a brain tumor. This experience helped to form his worldview and influence his scholarly research topics. After doctoral studies, he worked for one year at the University of Detroit before teaching religious studies at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, for five years (1978-1983). Dan then spent 23 years teaching religious studies at Canisius College in Buffalo, New York (1983-2006). After ministering at Holy Family Parish in Parma, Ohio, Dan was missioned to Colombiere Center in 2008 to write, perform pastoral ministry, and pray for the Church and the Society. Dan was a devoted Jesuit, priest, teacher, and scholar. He had an inquisitive and open mind which helped him to consider issues and situations from different points of view. This mindset, coupled with his deep love of Christ, helped Dan to effectively write and teach about issues such as suffering, early and modern-day Christianity, and the role of grace (in our lives and in the world). He authored eight books and many articles. In addition to being a scholar, he was a gifted musician who loved to sing and play the classical guitar. Fr. Ryan Duns, SJ, had this to say about Dan: Dan Liderbach may have been the oddest and quirkiest teacher I have ever had. Some of my friends from Canisius College still imitate the way he would announce, in the middle of a lecture, a “footnote” and physically step to the side to make a new point. As an instructor, he expected students to engage the theological tradition and to find ways to advance it. For Dan, theology was not an exercise of looking in the rearview mirror but, rather, a vocation to think about how the rich resources of theology could be drawn into dialogue with contemporary culture. Dan directed my senior thesis—“The Rhythm of the Eucharist”—and helped me to get it published. From that point onward, he treated me as a colleague and a friend. I can say there are two [of his traits] I try to embrace. First, he was an incredibly diligent worker who was committed to theological reflection. Even if you didn’t agree with him, he welcomed dialogue and debate. Second, Dan was no stranger to suffering. He knew well the limits of human flesh. Yet his vulnerability with others empowered them to be vulnerable; his humanity, in effect, allowed the humanity of others to emerge. He was a sacrament of real presence who allowed others to be really present. I am grateful to Dan for making me unafraid of the Mystery’s abyssal depth and my hope now is that he is in the loving presence of the Mystery he served so well during his life. 
In Memoriam: Fr. Donald R. Matthys, SJ
Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. Donald R. Matthys, SJ, who died on January 30, 2024 at St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwautosa, Wisconsin. He was 87 years old. May he rest in peace. Don is survived by his brother, Robert, and his sister, Lorraine Marten. Don was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Before entering the Society, he studied at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He entered the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus on August 17, 1955 at the Jesuit novitiate in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He was ordained a priest on June 8, 1968 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and pronounced final vows on December 8, 1983 at the Church of the Gesu in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While in the Society, Don earned a bachelor's degree from Spring Hill College (1962), a master's degree in physics (1964) from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia (1964), and a licentiate degree in theology from Saint Louis University (1969). Don earned a doctorate in physics from Washington University in Saint Louis, Missouri (1975). The title of his dissertation was: "An Experimental Approach to the Uncertainty Principle." During regency, Don taught Latin and math at Marquette University High School (1964-1965). After earning his doctorate, he was a professor of physics at Marquette University (1974-2013) before becoming a professor emeritus. In 2019, Don was missioned to St. Camillus Jesuit Community to pray for the Church and the Society. Don was a dedicated scientist, scholar, and professor. He was observant, curious, and always wanted to "figure out" how things work. He researched and published in the area of lasers (e.g., Optical Measurement Techniques for Remote Sensing of Displacements and Strains in Structural Elements) and holographic/fiber optic systems. He also was a leader in his field: he was chair of the Optical Methods Division and vice president of the Applied Optics Group of the Society for Experimental Mechanics. Don was a consultant to AT&T on deformations in microcircuit modules. He also was awarded summer faculty fellowships at NASA and received the Space Act Tech Brief Award from the NASA Inventions and Contributions Board. Fr. George Winzenburg, SJ, has these memories of Don: Don was quiet, thoughtful, kind, and extremely intelligent. His intellectual passion was mathematics, but he also excelled in the classics. He quoted lines from Latin and Greek literature that he learned in the juniorate. His graduate studies were in physics, and he taught courses at all levels at Marquette University, where he earned the rank of professor, and upon retirement was named professor emeritus. His specialty was optics. He collaborated with professors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and wrote computer programs for research projects. Altogether, he co-authored 35 articles. His hobbies were chess and Go, the abstract strategy board game developed in China that pits two players whose aim is to surround more territory than the opponent. He had a large heart for people in need. For many decades, he befriended a woman with multiple sclerosis and helped her almost every day. Don lived simply. He was a faithful Jesuit priest. He accepted his diminishment with equanimity and chose to enter hospice so he could enjoy the friendship of his companions and pass peacefully to the Lord.