Word is just getting out that Marist Father Thomas Dubay passed away over the weekend. May He Rest in Peace.
I first heard of Father Dubay shortly after my conversion to the Catholic Church. I used to attend daily Mass at St. Louis King of France in downtown St. Paul before going to work at the Science Museum of Minnesota each day. Fellow parishioners told me that Father Dubay was there, but at the time I didn’t know who he was.
My second encounter with Father Dubay was through his writing. As the leader of a weekly men’s book discussion and prayer group, we read a few of Father Dubay’s works, but none touched myself and the other men in quite the same way as his book Happy Are You Poor.
It taught many of us, for the first time, what is meant by Gospel poverty. It was, and still is, a book that continues to challenge us.
My past decade as a Catholic journalist brought me in touch with him occasionally. He was always so kind to take my calls, and when it was possible for him (because he was often traveling or doing retreats), he would take my questions and get back to me. He was an incredibly knowledgeable and loving priest.
In 2006, I interviewed him for an article on priestly celibacy. His insights were, as always, poignant and provided a succinct summary of the theological basis for priestly celibacy.
“Celibacy is imposed on no one,” he told me. “There’s a vast difference between a vocation and a career.” Father Dubay provided five theses for priestly celibacy.
“First, celibacy in Scripture is a privileged sphere of the sacred,” said Father Dubay. “They are set apart for the Lord.”
“Second, celibacy is a radical readiness in pursuit of the Kingdom. Third, celibacy is an immediate ecclesial bridal union. The priest has a marital relationship with the Church. Fourth, it’s a fulfillment vocation. A priest gives up the good for something greater. Finally, it is an excluding fullness. It orients one directly to God so that the person cannot give one’s heart to another in a marital way. It’s a psychological sundering. The virginal charism is a gift for the Church.”
Many others know Father Dubay through his other writings, his retreats, and his many series on EWTN. Father Dubay will be greatly missed. His teaching and his insights were invaluable to many, many lay Catholics over the past few decades.
The last time I spoke with him was three years ago. I interviewed him on St. Teresa of Avila. He is well known for his book on St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila, Fire Within, as well as some 19 other books which he authored.
Talking about the legacy that she left the Church, Father Dubay said, “She left a large, flourishing order that still today is doing a tremendous amount of good. She also left her writings, which are extremely rich. As you can see, I’m in love with Teresa. She’s really something. She and St. John of the Cross are, in my judgment, the best we have on the whole subject of intimate union with God.”
I pray that Father Dubay is now experiencing the kind of “intimate union with God” that he so often wrote and spoke about. Father Thomas Dubay, RIP.
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rest in peace , Father Dubay.
you always lovely preaching by ewtn time clock
Thank you for this touching article on Fr Dubay: May his souls rest in peace.
soul :)
May the soul of this gentle priest rest in peace. Fr. Dubay was a member of the faculty of Human Life International. He spiritually enriched presentations were a favorite at Love Life and Family Conferences. Fr. Paul Marx OSB annually assembled a great faculty to teach the laity from the riches of our beloved Faith. In thanksgiving for priests like Fr. Dubay whose presentations we rememeber fondly and with gratitude for the interest he took in the people interested in the pro life movement.
I loved Fr. Dubay..Took some of his courses at Christendom College Summer sessions on the Carmelite Spirituality..of which he was an expert..A great and holy man..Carmelite in his heart.
Father Dubay, pray for me.
I have only read one book by Father Thomas but it has made such an impact on me that I’ve read it many times and this is his book “...and you are Christ’s”.
I first picked it up when I had been discerning religious life for a few years and had become fairly sure that I was called to religious life but I didn’t really have a clear understanding of what that really meant.
Father explained so clearly about virginity for the sake of the kingdom and everything he said really resonated in my heart. I remember thinking so many times as I was reading it “yes, that’s exactly what is in my heart, I just never knew how to say it!”
Thanks in a big part to his writing I know am able to better articulate what this call is to those who ask me.
May Father Thomas’ soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
JMJ+
~Betsy
Totus tuus Maria! Let’s see what the good God wills.
RIP. A great writer and lecturer on Catholic spirituality. I strongly encourage you to look up Fr. Dubay on Amazon and pick up a title that suits your fancy. Recommended: Fire Within
iam very sad to hear about father dubay death, he was a great priest.May his soul rest in peace.
Fr. Dubay had a huge impact on my spiritual life as well as the life of the community to which I belong—the Alleluia Community in Augusta, Georgia. With Fr. Tom’s encouragement, we began Fire Within study groups within our community several years ago. The contemplative graces that have been poured out upon us has transformed many lives (both Catholic and Protestant) and helped to strengthen us into the kind of Gospel community that Fr. Dubay so often preached about. In all the times I’ve spoken with him, or listened to his talks, or read his books, he almost never referred to himself. But his actions spoke very deeply about his sanctity. I do pray for his soul during this time, but it seems more natural to ask him to intercede now for us. Fr.Tom, pray for us.
Iam very sorry to hear about father Dubay death. He was a great priest. May his souls rest in peace.
Father Dubay, pray for us. I have great hope that your intercession will be for me an even greater help than your books! (Which were a *tremendous* help. And You Are Christ’s and Happy Are You Poor helped me find my vocation. Fire Within is helping me to live it!)
Fr. Dubay was a fellow Marist. He taught me in college at Marycrest College in Davenport, Iowa. He had a very profound influence on my development as a Marist. I am now professed 38 yrs. and I remain grateful for his influence on my life. I last saw him in Nov. of 2009 at the Sisters of the Poor in D.C and it was a wonderful visit. I am presently engaged in Campus Ministry in San Luis Obispo, Ca. and he was very pleased to learn that some of our students were reading his books.
I thank God for his influence on my Marist life.
http://spiritualmotherhoodforpriests.blogspot.com/2010/09/fr-thomas-dubay-dies-world-renowned.html
God bless the soul of Father Dubay .I always listened intently to him on EWTN and learnt a lot.
Thank You Father Dubay for your christain leadership in Christ. May all the Angles and Saints accept you well.
I love You Father Dubay… Pray for me ........
Eternal light grant him oh Lord and my your perpetual light shine upon him
May God bless his sould.
I was just getting to know Father Dubay from watching him on EWTN. If I had to describe him to someone I would say he was like a father, a grandfather, a brother, a friend, a spiritual advisor, and above all, a priest, all wrapped up into one person. A very rare combination indeed. He will be greatly missed. May God have mercy on his soul and may he rest in peace!
John
I’ll never forget this gentle soul! He ALWAYS caught my attention when he was on EWTN. He will rest in peace for sure.
Eternal Father I offer you the most precious blood of your divine son Jesus Christ in union with the masses said today for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen Father Dubay pray for us
I ALWAYS ENJOYED FATHER DUBAY’S COMMENTS ON EWTN HE WAS MOST INSPIRING TO ME. I LOVED HIS GENTLE WAY OF EXPLAINING OUR FAITH AND HIS SOFT SPOKEN MANNER OF SPEAKING. I PRAY EWTN WILL CONTINUE HIS TALKS AS ONE LEARNS NEW THINGS WHEN ONE HEARS THE SAME TALKS GIVEN BY FATHER DUBAY. MAY HE REST IN PEACE. REBECCA SHOKRIAN
I was re-introduced to the Catholic church from fr Dubay’s re-runs on EWTN, when I came home from work about midnight, and listened to him open up the faith. a real gift from God.
Tremendous writer on the spiritual life, writing on a level that could only flow from a very strong interior life coupled with excellent formation. We will be unlikely to see his equal in our lifetimes.
I’m deeply mournful of the passing of Fr. Dubay. Although, I personally never met him, I feel I’ve lost a very dear friend. May he, from heaven, forever continue to inspire in each of us a ‘Fire Within’.
Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace!
Amen.
I have never had the privilidge of meeting Fr Dubay personally but over the years watched his programs on EWTN. Also I downloaded many, many talks which we used in our prayer group. My husband and I, both in our late 70’s are just this week listening again to his series on Contemplation.Thank you, thank you Fr Dubay for inriching our lived and opening our hearts to the great gifts God wants to give us.
I love you, Father Dubay!
May you rest in beautiful peace and unity with Our Loving God.
May the soul of Fr. Dubay rest in peace. I hope EWTN will continue to provide the “spiritual guidance” and the “turning clocks” we’ve come to associate w/Fr. Dubay.
T
JMJ
Father Thomas Dubay just has to be in Heaven——I would think that Our Blessed Mother saw his soul and took him to Heaven immediately. I’ll be glad to pray for him, but I would rather think that praying to Father Dubay would be more logical. May he pray and intercede for all the priests still on earth during this troubling time. When I heard Father Anthony Mary mention Father Dubay’s passing during Mass yesterday, I was shocked, because I didn’t think he looked in bad health. May Father Thomas Dubay enough Heaven——the eternal place of peace he talked about so much!
T
JMJ
I meant to write: May Father Thomas Dubay enjoy Heaven——the eternal place of peace he talked about so much! Pax et Bonum!
I was shocked and saddened of the passing Father Dupay . I had just
heard him speak about a couple of weeks ago ” On Timely Topics”
May His Soul Rest In Peace. God Bless You Love Anne
The Catholic Church has lost a Giant! Myself and another Minister of The Eucharist had the honor to visit with and bring Father Dubay Holy Communion during his last week or so on Earth. He would always Bless me when I asked. He had such a great smile. He was at the Springbrook Nursing and Rehab center in Silver Spring, MD and making good progress. On Friday September 24th he received the Body of Christ from me. We shared prayer together as well. I came back that evening knocked on his door at about 8PM and received a resounding hello. After a very short visit I said good night and told Father that I would see him Saturday morning. On Saturday morning I arrived and was informed that he had been taken to the Hospital just an hour or so after I left on Friday evening. He was called to Heaven on Sunday. The impact he had on me and Miss Dana Ellis will last forever. I feel very blessed to have met him and spoken to him. What you see on EWTN and read in his books are the real thing. He is now with our lord in Heaven. I was so humbled to have been able to spend time with this servant of the Lord.
John Creel
A true Catholic. Pray for us, Father Dubay.
The inspiration Fr. Dubay provided during his life will live on through his books and other writings. I will personally always remember the thrill of receiving the sacrament of reconciliation with Fr. Dubay as confessor and receiving absolution from him!
Judy
May he rest in peace. I will never forget meeting him on a plane leaving Washington, DC. His kind eyes and smile will always remain in my heart. I often enjoyed seeing him on EWTN. He gave such thoughtful and inspiring talks. Fr. Dubay always manifested the gentle and kind heart of Our Lord.
Truly a soldier for Christ and Mary…I’ll never forget this wonderful retreat I attended where he was the guest speaker. A man of rare wisdom. I think a series he did on St. Teresa of Avila depicted him at his very best. Now he is enjoying all the fruits of his contemplation with the Lord. May he now rest fully in God.
May he rest in peace. I will miss listening to him on EWTN. Loved his books.
Father Dubay was a humble,holy man. I feel like I’ve lost a friend. I regret not having sent him a note to tell him of the profound influence he had on me through his books and conferences on EWTN. I will miss his smile.
Bless him, Lord!
Thanks for having a space to leave our heartfelt thoughts for Fr. Dubay. It helps to share with others our loss. I LOVED watching Fr. Dubay’s programs on EWTN. His words helped me so much during great trials. I loved how he was so careful with every word so as not over generalize on topics as he spoke. I prayed for Him. I am sure he is in the bosom of Our Lord and Lady in heaven.
Fr. Dubay was a lovely,gentle priest who was totally and completely in love with God. Thank you God for letting us have him here with us…he will be missed!
Thank you Father Dubay for helping us by your presentations. I ask you to accept me as yhour spiritual son. I want to learn and apply more.
Joseph S. Wisk
I am sad to hear the lose of Fr. Tom we will meet in time again.
May Fr. Dubay rest in peace…
I love his books tremendously.. His “Evidential Power of Beauty” is a splendid exposition of the mysterious theme of beauty. He had done well in that book, to ignite an age-old interest of the Holy Church in the sciences by comparing the stunning findings of empirical science and the depthness of theology. Reading that book, I was inspired to pursue a degree in the natural sciences aside from philosophy. He argued that the “Big Bang” theory is complementary with the belief of a Creator, Who initiated the unfolding of the entire universe. He engaged the imagination in presenting the oddities and varieties of life-forms and how evidently they manifest the artistry of the Divine Artist.
His book, “Happy Are You Poor” had been a bold challenge to live a “sparing-sharing lifestyle” for authentic apostolic witnessing. The patrimony of his writings is a priceless treasure, contributing to the unparalleled wisdom of the Holy Church’s saints. Blessed be God who created him.
Rest In Peace dear Fr.
I was privileged to meet Fr. Dubay once at Christendom, to see him on EWTN, and to read some of his books. He was a great gift of God!
I was sad to hear and surprise that Fr.Dubay pass away, I never met him or read any of his books but I seen him on EWTN he seem very knowledgeable of what ever he was talking about very soft spoken. Sweet, kind person may the Lord grant him Eternal Rest and may his soul Rest in Pease.
May the angels lead Fr. Dubay into Paradise. I met him, and bought two of his books when he came to St. John the Evangelist Parish in Carmichael,CA to give a talk on prayer. May God reward him with eternal life.
I am a fan of Fr. Dubay and I have copies of all of his ewtn series in mp3 and I love to listen to them over and over again. He is a great loss to the pilgrim church and I hope he is now enjoying the presence of God in heaven which I believe he deserves.
Father Dubay was a very knowledgeable priest who I listened to on EWTN for a long time when Mother Angelica was on the program.
He was a very hard worker on behalf of the Lord in enlightening his viewers in the teaching of the Church.
May he receive his just rewards in everlasting peace and happiness.
What a soldier of and for Jesus Christ God! He was such a wonderful teacher of our Catholic faith, and I would always stop what I was doing, to listen to him when he would come on EWTN. Now, he has seen Our Lord, and may he rest in peace for eternity!
John Creel, thank you for your account of visiting with Fr. Dubay and bringing him Jesus in Holy Communion. Could you or anyone else post information on his wake and funeral as soon as you find out? Thanks.
I live in Mumbai India. When I was in America, sometime in 1995, 2002, 2006 and 2010 I heard Fr Thomas Dubey’s talk through the E W T N channel He used to analyse everything very meaningfully . We have lost a good catholic priest May his soul rest in peace
One of the greatest, holiest and humblest of Fathers. Thank God we can still learn so much from him in heaven, and from his beautiful books. An excerpt from ‘Authenticity’:
‘...the wisdom-filled are vehicles to us of the mind of the Lord. We are ready to discover the mysteries of the Father when we are ready to be admonished by those who are close to him, who love him and thus know him’. Such a man was Father Dubay; may he enter into the joy of his Master, and pray for us.
Wake and funeral info for Father Dubay. The Wake will be at the Little Sisters of the Poor From 4PM to 8PM on Wednesday September 29th. The address is 4200 Harewood Road NE Washington DC, 20017. The Funeral will be on Thursday September 30th at the same location at 10:00AM.
John Creel
I never met Father Dubay, but his appearances on various EWTN shows and his books have given me enormous blessings for my spiritual development. Thank you, Father Dubay, and please pray for me.
Do you know whether Father Dubay suffered from polycystic kidney disease?
Fr. Thomas Dubay has incredible insight with prayer and has helped me understand my prayer life better. The Fire Within is an incredible book which I’ve shared with others. His wisdom will truly be missed.
Thank U, Jesus, for time alloted for Fr. Dubay to give to us so much. God bless. R>I>P, through mercy of God
Fr Thomas Dubay is a saint. May he pray for us all.
Just received a phone call from the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington DC. The wake is Next Wednesday Oct 6th from 4PM-8PM. The funeral Mass in Thursday October 7th at 10AM. Location for both is 4200 Harewood Road NE Washington DC, 20017. I am very sorry for the incorrect Info. John Creel.
I will miss Father Dubay’s smile and quirky way of explaining everything. He had such a brilliant mind and a gentle way of teaching.
God bless you Father Thomas and thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my “family” on EWTN. I look forward to reading more of your books and “listen” again to your words of wisdom and love. Joy and eternal peace to you, dear friend.
What a lifelong blessing to have driven him to an from Queen of Apostles Church in Alexandria, VA for our Lenten retreat. He was like a grandfather who just wanted to hear all about you and would share about himself so humbly, being as renowned author and speaker as he was. I treasure my copy of Evidential Power of Beauty autographed by him. Father thank you for your life and being Christ for so many…please pray for my intention that we shared. Enjoy Heaven with all the souls you got there!
I ‘m protestant, and I wept after I learnt father Dubay was dead. There was pain and joy in my heart. At least I knew he is at a better place and he was ready for glory with His Father. He finished walking elect here on earth and for us who are still crawling, sometimes getting up and falling again, father Dubay pray for us.
I have only watched Fr.Dubay for a few months on EWTN. When the announcement of his passing appeared on the screen, I was profoundly sad and this surprised me a bit. So, I had to ask myself “why do I feel like I’ve lost a friend?”
What was refreshing about Fr. Dubay was that he taught sound theology without “the iron-fist-beneath-the-velvet-glove”, self-righteous attitude that I see radiating from those who now call themselves “orthodox” Catholics. I felt his love. He was not trying to take the Church back to 1921 or to act as if some Catholics are better than others (or that the Catholic Church in general is better than every other Christian community). He cast a very wide net!
He will be sorely missed in a time of prideful self-promotion - a gentle spirit who did not compromise, but who had manners and charm.
He was the very best sort of Catholic - so rare these days: he had the demeanor and social skills of a well-bred Episcopalian combined with the steady knowledge of a good and holy priest. Fr. Thomas had a sense of humor, and a genuinely compelling humanity.
Bless his memory, and may he rest in peace +
The Obituary for Father Dubay is in the Washington Post. Here is the link. I hope it works. I plan to attend the wake and funeral.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=thomas-e-dubay&pid=145768744&fhid=6151
John Creel
Wow, he sure will be missed. What a great priest he was. It was an honor to have meet him. So much wisdom and love of GOD. He introduced me to Contemplation and with the help of the Holy Spirit changed my life.
Can you imagine him in Heaven right now?.....yes we have another Saint. I hope to meet him again someday.
His books and talks will lead you to a closer life with our Lord. I promise.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Fr Dubay. May he rest in eternal peace with the Lord.
I used to listen to his enlightened talks on EWTN. He always had such a peaceful aura about him.
jennifer
Praise God almighty for letting such a wonderful servant like Fr. Dubay dwell among us. My wife and I and our four children are very saddened to hear of his passing. (I dare say he would not like me to say that). We had the opportunity to attend several of his speeches and listen to his tapes. He struck me as perhaps a walking breathing saint before us (saint with a little “s”). His presence was deeply felt in our Parrish of St. Peters in Little Washington Virginia when he joined us there for a time a few years ago. The impact of his God given wisdom, approach, and manner was then powerful and will be felt amongst our family for generations. His humor was uncommonly…simple and refreshing.
Thanks be to God for the life of Fr. Dubay.
Dubay, father in Christ on earth, brother in Christ in Heaven please intercede for us!
I am so sad to hear about Father Dubay. I really loved him and Mother Angelica (a living Saint) for bringing EWTN to the millions world wide. I would not have learned all that I have without Mother Angelica and what she has done for the world. That includes Father Dubay on EWTN. Many nights when I could not sleep he would be on. I loved to watch him because he was like a little boy when he would talk about the Lord. He deeply loved his Faith and anyone whom watched him could see in his eyes his great Faith. I will truly miss him. Now he can watch over us and pray for all of us. Father Dubay I love you and will miss seeing you on EWTN.
I will surely miss his teachings on EWTN. God rest your soul father
The Catholic Church has lost a GIANT! Father Dubay had a BRILLIANT MIND! His explanations of very difficult theological, philosophical, and spiritual matters were made with such transparent clarity and ease. It was truly a joy to listen to him! Father Dubay’s mind flowed effortlessly, speaking clearly and precisely, guiding our minds thru centuries of solid Catholic knowledge and reasoning. His happy smile, gentle manner, firm voice ...... Father Dubay will be greatly, greatly missed. I did not know he had died until right now when I read this article. May EWTN replay his programs. May Father Dubay rest in Eternal Peace with God. Thank you and may God bless you, Father Dubay.
Fr Dubay did a series of talks on the saints called “A Closer Look”. I think I may have found it on the audio archives at EWTN online. What an incredibly inspirational series….it really gave me a deeper appreciation of the saints and a real desire to be one. This was a very holy, humble and gentle man. And yes, Ron, I CAN imagine him in heaven right now!
“Second, celibacy is a radical readiness in pursuit of the Kingdom. Third, celibacy is an immediate ecclesial bridal union. The priest has a marital relationship with the Church. Fourth, it’s a fulfillment vocation. A priest gives up the good for something greater. Finally, it is an excluding fullness. It orients one directly to God so that the person cannot give one’s heart to another in a marital way. It’s a psychological sundering. The virginal charism is a gift for the Church.”
—-Great insight on celibacy. Will check out his books! RIP Fr. Dubay
I lost him before I knew him. I was searching the ‘net for a speaker who could explain how Vatican II was misinterpreted. Ironically, what I did find was his talk on Contemplation on the EWTN website. Because it was a topic I was interested in independently, and because I thought it was odd that it appeared in a topic about misinterpretation of Vatican II on Google, I took a listen. Interestingly enough, one of the programs did indeed discuss how the emphasis on contemplation and how it differs from other forms of prayer, were each entirely obscured in the original English translation of Vatican II.
So I decided to find out where in the country he was and get his contact information… and then I discovered that he had fallen asleep in the Lord almost a month before.
“I felt like I’d lost an old friend.” Especially odd considering I’d only heard two or three chapters in one talk… even out of order! He captures the perfect balance of Spirit and intellect that is a model for Catholic living.
In theology, it is all too easy for the intellect to fall in love with complexity and forget the simple love and reason behind it all. It is especially hard to remember that reason is not just about logic, but about origins. Fr. DuBay had a special Grace in this area gifted from Our Lady.
His hard teachings were made sweet by his kindness, generosity, and specificity. I am sure God cherishes him! Fr. DuBay, pray for our priests!
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