It was announced that the famed Father Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., died at 11:30 p.m. Thursday (February 26, 2015) at Holy Cross House adjacent to the University of Notre Dame. Father Ted was 97.
We all know Father Ted as the president of the University of Notre Dame from 1952 to 1987. He was a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and known as a leader in Catholic higher education. Father has been awarded the most honorary doctorates in US history.
“We mourn today a great man and faithful priest who transformed the University of Notre Dame and touched the lives of many,” said Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., Notre Dame’s current president. “With his leadership, charisma and vision, he turned a relatively small Catholic college known for football into one of the nation’s great institutions for higher learning.
“In his historic service to the nation, the Church and the world, he was a steadfast champion for human rights, the cause of peace and care for the poor.”
Several years ago I had the privilege to meet Father for a good hour of conversation. His eyesight was very poor but he was a great conversationalist. I am grateful for the time we spent talking to in the library named in his honor.
May God be merciful to Father Ted and may he rest in rest from his labors. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for your son.