Fr. Kurt J. Pritzl, O.P. (February 15, 1952 – February 21, 2011)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 Michael Dougherty ;)
With great sadness I relay the passing of Fr. Kurt J. Pritzl, OP, Dean of the School of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America. The university announcement can be found here, along with a collection of photographs here and a link of publications here. I’ll post additional notices as they become available.
A specialist in ancient Greek philosophy, Fr. Pritzl received a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto and wrote a dissertation on Aristotle’s De anima under the direction of Fr. Joseph Owens, C.Ss.R. Among his publications were several that explored the Aristotelian notion of truth, the last of which appeared in a collection he edited: Truth. Studies of a Robust Presence (The Catholic University of America Press, 2010).
Those of us who were privileged to know him as priest and scholar give thanks for his life in service to the Truth.
Update: Here is a notice from the Dominican Province of St. Joseph. It includes a video of a homily by Fr. Pritzl offered on the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas in 2010 in the crypt church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Update: There are obituary notices in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal and The Washington Post with reader comments.
Update: CUA has put online a video of the Mass of Christian Burial here.
Reader Comments (3)
Fr. Pritzl and I became friends about 33 years ago. We were both residents of Massey College in Toronto. I literally drove him to the seminary in my red Toyota. My last visit with him was in early December. I asked if his doctors had told him how much longer he would live. He growled: “I haven’t asked them. Why would I ask? They are right about that only 10% of the time.” I think dying was hardest on Fr. Kurt because he loved to work. He had a powerful work ethic and so much to contribute. He was not looking for some time off. He loved the School of Philosophy and knew its importance to CUA and to the Church. He was very concerned to help graduate students. He was very proud of the Board of Advisors he set up for the School and truly appreciated the interest others showed in the School. But he wasn’t a workaholic; he also loved to socialize and rarely turned down an invitation. He loved tending to his friends. (He also had a hard time tolerating phonies!) I never knew one so faithful at remembering birthdays and writing thank you cards. He loved attending weddings and other pivotal events in people’s lives. He had the gift of friendship. (I so wish I could attend his funeral to luxuriate in the presence of so many whom he loved and who loved him). When I last saw him we had a fine time reminiscing. We spoke about times we went to see Shakespeare at Strafford in London, Ontario; I remember going to many concerts with Fr. Kurt who loved classical music. We talked about struggles we had with our Ph.D. dissertations. We enjoyed recounting the career trajectories of our friends. It was fun to hear him talk; there was often that growl in his speech accompanied by that bit of mischief in his eyes. His wry wit was very dry. Fr. Kurt truly loved the Catholic Church (and all that entails!), the Dominican Order and its philosophical tradition. Those of us who loved him will miss him. The best tribute we can pay to him is to carry on his good work.
The right words are hard to come by, but the Lord sees what is in the heart and hears the prayers too deep for words. I am praying that God's peace, love and comfort will be with the family of Fr. Kurt Pritzl and the Dominican Friars of St. Joseph for the passing of such a humble and holy priest.
I knew Fr. Kurt Pritzl when I was working briefly for the Dominican House of Studies in DC in 1995 . I remember him to be very kind, polite and always smiling. Whenever he came down to the reception to check his messages, he always asked how my family in Malaysia were doing. After leaving DHS, I didn't have contact with Fr. Pritzl and I didn't know he was ill. I visited DHS 2years ago but didn't get to see him and I didn't know he was ill. Rest in Peace Fr. Kurt. Pray for us.
Beth Baikan
Sabah Malaysia
http://www.op-stjoseph.org/blog/the_pritzl_chair/