In Memoriam: Rev. John S. Dunne, C.S.C., John A. O"Brien Professor of Theology

Rev. John S. Dunne, C.S.C.

Rev. John S. Dunne, C.S.C., John A. O’Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, died early Monday (Nov. 11) at Holy Cross Residence right after a prolonged struggle with issues of a head injury sustained in July. He was 83.

“On behalf of the University, I lengthen my deepest condolences to the family members and buddies of Father John S. Dunne, a beloved instructor, scholar, priest and good friend,” explained Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. “John brought humility, honesty and intellectual prowess to a quest of faith looking for comprehending, and in sharing the journey, he manufactured lasting contributions to the lives of a great number of students, colleagues, fellow religious and several readers of his books. Like several other individuals, I benefited significantly from lessons and conversations with John, and mourn his passing. He will be missed by all.”

A native of Waco, Texas, Father Dunne attended St. Edward’s Academy in Austin before coming into Holy Cross Minor Seminary at Notre Dame, exactly where he produced his first vows to the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1947. He studied philosophy and graduated from Notre Dame in 1951. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1954, in Rome, where he also earned advanced degrees from the Gregorian University.

Father Dunne returned to Notre Dame in 1957 to turn out to be one of its most well-known, even beloved, teachers. In addition to teaching much more Notre Dame college students than any other individual in the University’s historical past, he wrote some 20 influential works on theology and the spiritual lifestyle, like “The City of the Gods,” “A Search for God in Time and Memory” and “Way of All the Earth.” His most latest book, “Eternal Consciousness,” obtained a very first-spot award from the Catholic Press Association.

Gus Zuehlke, a good friend and former student, spent some time at Father Dunne’s hospital bedside and reported on his visit in a publish to Notre Dame Magazine: “As I was silently praying in John’s area, a nurse walked in and explained to me, ‘I’m on my break. Can I keep in here for a even though?’ ‘Sure,’ I replied. ‘You see,’ the nurse stated, ‘I really feel God here.’ I stated to him, ‘I recognize.’” Generations of Notre Dame students and alumni would comprehend as effectively.

Visitation will be from 3:thirty to 7 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 14) in the Lady Chapel of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, exactly where a wake service will be held at 7:thirty p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 3:30 p.m. Friday (Nov. 15) in the Basilica and instantly followed by burial in the Holy Cross local community cemetery.

Memorial contributions in help of the mission and ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross can be created to United States Province of Priests and Brothers, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 765, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0765, or online at donate.holycrossusa.org.

In Memoriam: Rev. John S. Dunne, C.S.C., John A. O"Brien Professor of Theology