Michelle Malkin » First Things: Fr. Richard Neuhaus, R.I.P

First Things: Fr. Richard Neuhaus, R.I.P

By Michelle Malkin • January 8, 2009 03:17 PM

Peter Wehner’s tribute at NRO says it all:

The death of Father Neuhaus is a terrible blow. Not for him, who is now united with his Savior and his Redeemer, in whom Father Neuhaus placed all of his trust and all of his hope; but for us, who have lost one of America’s leading public intellectuals, a man of profound wisdom and learning, and a great champion for the unborn. It was Father Neuhaus, along with his dear, long-time friend George Weigel and just a handful of others like Michael Novak, who not only championed the pro-life cause for so many years, but who gave the rest of us both the grounding and the vocabulary to speak on this issue.

They made the pro-life cause the cause of those seeking justice and protection for the weakest and most vulnerable members of the human community.

Father Neuhaus was author of one of the most important, debate-changing books in the history of modern conservatism: The Naked Public Square: Religion and Democracy in America (published in 1984). He penned many other books, before and after, and they were unfailingly intelligent, well-argued, elegantly written, and often moving. He was editor in chief of First Things and author of its very popular column “The Public Square,” Neuhaus’s monthly survey of religion, culture, and public life. And he was a central figure in finding common ground among Catholics and evangelicals. Father Neuhaus’s influence was quiet, profound, and virtually without boundaries.

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#1

On January 8th, 2009 at 3:27 pm, MtsEdge said:

We’ve lost so many conservative icons in recent months. Sad for our country.
#2

On January 8th, 2009 at 3:44 pm, Ralph Gizzip said:

Praying a “Hail Mary” for him tonight.
#3

On January 8th, 2009 at 3:46 pm, englishqueen01 said:

Fr. Neuhaus passed quickly after being diagnosed with cancer a month or two ago, and falling ill around Christmas.

He was able to receive the Sacraments before passing, and it is my prayer he is now delighting in Paradise with our Lord.

Prayers for him, and for those who mourn his passing.
#4

On January 8th, 2009 at 3:55 pm, hatfield said:

God speed.
#5

On January 8th, 2009 at 4:10 pm, cubbiegal said:

I’ll light a candle for him tonight.
RIP Father Neuhaus.
#6

On January 8th, 2009 at 5:41 pm, mockingbyrd said:

Rest in Peace Fr. Neuhaus. We are truly poorer for your loss.
#7

On January 8th, 2009 at 6:09 pm, flmom said:

A leader with unwavering faith and values, so rare these days. Yes, the world has lost but Heaven has gained. May he rest in Eternal Peace.
#8

On January 8th, 2009 at 6:50 pm, zorro said:

May his Soul and all the Souls of the Faithfully departed Rest in Peace and may God comfort his family and friends.
#9

On January 8th, 2009 at 7:17 pm, verogolfer said:

Sometimes it seems like all the good ones are dying on us. And the you-know-whats are alive and in Washington D.C. Or became my bosses…
#10

On January 8th, 2009 at 7:33 pm, Elm Creek Smith said:

I’ll light the fire tonight and put sweet sage on it for the good padre.

ECS
#11

On January 8th, 2009 at 8:14 pm, rightisright said:

RIP Father Neuhaus
#12

On January 8th, 2009 at 8:58 pm, jlibertarian said:

It seems we’re hopelessly outnumbered by pro-death dogs. Social acceptance of abortion is a terminal disease, all that’s left is the dying. America is almost dead and Barack Obama is the grim reaper. We got the leader we deserve.
#13

On January 9th, 2009 at 11:39 pm, Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:

I hope I am worthy to have Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy read at my funeral service

But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.

For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.

From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.
#14

On January 27th, 2009 at 2:35 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

Reverand Neuhaus was one of my very favorite guests on the late William Buckley’s TV program. I am very saddened by his passing. He was a Lutheran before converting to Catholicism and the best source for those trying to understand the issues separating the various protestants churches and the Catholic church. I wonder if anyone exists who can step in to fill that void.