Jesuit Father John F. Kavanaugh, 71, died on Nov. 5 in St. Louis, where he was born and spent much of his teaching career as a professor of philosophy at Saint Louis University. Fr. Kavanaugh was also a longtime contributor at America magazine, author of the influential book “Following Christ in a Consumer Society,” and composer of several songs on the St. Louis Jesuits’ first album, “Neither Silver Nor Gold.”

Fr. Kavanaugh entered the Society of Jesus in 1959 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1971, in St. Louis. In 1975 Fr. Kavanaugh spent a year in India, where he worked with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity at The House of the Dying in Calcutta.

In 1976 Fr. Kavanaugh went to work in the philosophy department at Saint Louis University, where he would serve for the next 36 years. He established a reputation as an exceptional teacher, combining scholarly rigor with insights into human life. Highly regarded for his scholarship, Fr. Kavanaugh was awarded visiting professorships at Chishawasha Major Regional Seminary in Zimbabwe in 1987 and Creighton University in 1991.

Fr. Kavanaugh was also the founder of the Ethics Across the Curriculum program at Saint Louis University, which helps faculty to reflect critically on ethical issues and incorporate ethical considerations in their courses.

Jesuit Father J. Daniel Daly with the Missouri Province of the Society of Jesus said, “Fr. Kavanaugh served the Society of Jesus in a variety of ways. A highly regarded teacher and spiritual director for generations of young Jesuits studying at Saint Louis University, Fr. Kavanaugh inspired and challenged his brother Jesuits to lives of simplicity and solidarity with the poor, both in his words and the example of his life.”

An exceptional preacher, Fr. Kavanaugh was frequently invited to give lectures on the topics of consumerism, American culture, advertising, faith and culture, and medical ethics.

Fr. Kavanaugh was a contributor to America magazine for more than forty years and had been a regular columnist since 1993. Visit the America magazine website to read some of the editors’ favorite columns by Fr. Kavanaugh.

Fr. Vincent O'Keefe, SJ at the 34th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus, Rome. Photo by Don Doll, SJ

Fr. James Croghan, SJ, grandnephew of Fr. O’Keefe and chaplain at Regis High School, warmly recalled his uncle and brother Jesuit as an individual whose love of God, the Church and the Society of Jesus was palpable in his relationships with friends, family and all those whom he served in his long life and career. Fr. Croghan labeled love as the constant, driving force in Fr. O’Keefe’s life. Fr. Croghan offered reflections on Fr. O’Keefe’s 90th birthday celebration two years ago at Murray-Weigel Hall, the health care center for New York Province Jesuits located adjacent to Fordham University in the Bronx, and how Fr. O’Keefe, even in his later years, served as a source of inspiration to all.

Jesuit Father Thomas H. Smolich, president of the Jesuit Conference, offered words of appreciation for Father O’Keefe’s life, saying Father O’Keefe “loved to be with people—as a host, a brother Jesuit, a storyteller, a priest.”

Father Smolich added, “Father O’Keefe was absolutely loyal: to Pedro Arrupe, to the Society of Jesus, and to the Church. He was a man of great joy, a kind of joy that only comes through intimacy with God.”

To listen to excerpts from the Mass, click here

Fr. Vincent T. O’Keefe, SJ, was president of Fordham University in 1965 when he was elected at the 31st General Congregation of the Society of Jesus to serve as one of four General Assistants to the newly elected Jesuit Superior General, Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ. For the next 18 years, Fr. O’Keefe was stationed at the Rome headquarters of the Jesuits and worked closely with Father Arrupe in guiding the renewal of Jesuit life in the wake of the reforms called for in the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).

During his years in Rome, Father O’Keefe was a favored commentator for ABC News at such events as the death of Pope Paul VI in 1978 and the two conclaves that followed and elected Pope John Paul I and Pope John Paul II. He also provided commentary for ABC during many of Pope John Paul II’s trips abroad, including his visits to the United States in 1979, 1993 and 1995.

After the 33rd General Congregation in 1983, Fr. O’Keefe returned to the United States. He was appointed rector of the Jesuit community at Fordham University in 1984. From 1988-90, he assumed principal responsibility for planning Assembly 89, an unprecedented gathering of Jesuits and their colleagues from the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States held at Georgetown University as part of the celebration of Georgetown’s 200th anniversary.

After working at the Jesuit Conference in Washington, D.C., Fr. O’Keefe returned to New York City to serve as superior of the Jesuit community and writer-in-residence at America House where the Jesuit weekly America is published. In 2007, he was assigned to Murray-Weigel Hall to pray for the Church and the Society.

Father O’Keefe, fluent in English, Italian, French, Spanish and German, was one of the best known and most-loved Jesuits of his generation. He grew up in Jersey City, N.J, the youngest of eight children. He graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Union City and entered the Jesuits in 1937 at Wernersville, Penn. After studies at Woodstock College, Md. (1941-1944), he taught at Regis High School in New York City from 1944-1947 as a scholastic. Theological studies in Louvain, Belgium followed, and he was ordained to the priesthood there in 1950.

Click here to view a blog post by America magazine editor Fr. Jim Martin, SJ, on Fr. O’Keefe. Included is a video of Fr. O’Keefe’s reflection on former Jesuit Superior General Fr. Pedro Arrupe, SJ.

Click here to view an article from Fordham University on the passing of Fr. O’Keefe.

To view a slideshow of images of Fr. O’Keefe, please visit the web site of the New York Province of the Society of Jesus

The joining of the publisher’s role with that of the president of America Press is an early outcome of the press’s strategic planning process which will conclude in late February. As president, Schlegel succeeds Jesuit Father Drew Christiansen, who will remain America’s editor in chief. The publisher’s position has been open since the resignation of Jan Attridge, the press’s first publisher, in April.

Schlegel, a weekly reader of America, expressed enthusiasm at taking on a new ministry. “America,” he said, “is a vital national Jesuit apostolate bringing Catholic opinion to bear on the great public issues of the day. I am grateful for the opportunity to help secure and improve America’s presence in today’s new media environment.” He was buoyed in his decision, Schlegel said, “by the encouragement of brother Jesuits, friends and colleagues that America is the right challenge” for him to take on at this time.

Fr. Schlegel was ordained a priest in 1973. He holds a doctorate in international relations from Oxford University. In addition to his presidency at Creighton (1999-2011), he also served as president of the University of San Francisco. Under his leadership, Creighton carried out its most successful philanthropic effort ever, raising $400 million in a capital campaign. He oversaw the expansion of the campus from 90 to 130 acres, improving the campus living environment and contributing to the renaissance of downtown Omaha. During his time, the university also received high rankings in both regional and national listings of institutions of higher learning.

Albert C. Pierce, chairman of the America board, in announcing the appointment, said “Father Drew Christiansen has ably guided America through a new phase in its 100-plus year history, and we salute him for his continuing contributions to this wonderful ministry. I join everyone at America in welcoming Father John Schlegel, who has all the right experience and expertise to lead us into the next phase in America’s history. These are exciting times for America!”

Attridge, the retired publisher, came to America after 30 years in non-profit administration in Catholic healthcare and for religious congregations. During her tenure, she helped implement changes in the legal structure of the press, conducted surveys of current and former readers, developed partnerships with other Catholic groups, labored ardently for the interests of young readers, and strove to enhance America’s digital media. “Her lasting legacy,” Fr. Christiansen said, “was to make us think of ourselves as a communications ministry, not just a print magazine.”

“In this hell I found grace. Working at the World Trade Center was one of the most profound experiences of the Holy Spirit I’ve ever had, for there I encountered an overwhelming sense of charity, unity and concord. Every person working at Ground Zero was “other-directed.” Every person was selfless, utterly unconcerned for himself or herself. Every person seemed kind, considerate, loving. And here was God offering us a parable today. As I looked around at the rescue workers, I thought, what is God like? God is like the firefighter who rushes into a burning building to save someone. That’s how much God loves us. And I saw this love expressed in the great charity of all the rescue workers who gathered at the American Golgotha.”

To read Father Martin’s full article, please click here.

Or, to purchase his book Searching for God at Ground Zero, please click here.

On January 25, Rowan Williams, the archbishop of Canterbury, accepted the 2009 Campion Award from the editors of the Jesuit magazine, America. A renowned scholar, theologian, ecumenist, pastor, professor and poet, Archbishop Williams is the author of more than a score of books.

Jesuit Father Drew Christiansen, the editor-in-chief of America, introduced the archbishop, and literary editor Patricia A. Kossmann presented him with the award.

Read Fr. Christiansen’s introduction, or listen to an

A slideshow of pictures from the evening is also now available.

The Campion award is given on a regular basis to a notable Christian person of letters. It is named after St. Edmund Campion, an English writer and Jesuit martyr who is honored in both the Anglican and Catholic traditions.