Thank you to the many folks who were so kind to write me and tell me of Fr. Thomas Dubay's passing on Sunday, 26 September.
Fr. Dubay was an outstanding priest, with an almost palpable love for the Lord. His books, lectures, and retreats all had the same theme - be immersed in prayer, in order to be transformed into the image of God. We will miss him, although we know that heaven is the brighter for his joyful presence.
A short account of his final days is here: http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2010/09/father-thomas-dubay-sm-rip.html
"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon him!"
Taken from this site:
Father Thomas Dubay, S.M., R.I.P.
Fr. Z. is reporting the very sad news that Father Thomas Dubay, S.M., has died. Fr. Dubay was one of the great spiritual directors and writers of our times. May God grant him eternal peace and beatitude. More information to be posted as it comes available.
UPDATE: The following is from the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington, D.C., who cared for Father Dubay during his final days.
Rev Thomas Dubay, SM
RIP September 26, 2010
From Washington, DC:
This morning at 4:45, the Lord welcomed into His Kingdom Rev Thomas Dubay, SM, after suffering kidney failure and massive bleeding in the brain. Father’s frail health had been declining ever since his admission to the Little Sisters of the Poor home in Washington more than a year ago, but his suffering was even more noticeable in recent months. Despite this fact, Fr Dubay was just as witty as ever.
When Father’s superior, Fr. Bruce Lery, SM, called the Little Sisters on Sunday morning to tell them, he said, "We have a saint in heaven" –how true! Fr. Dubay was hospitalized about a month ago and then transferred to a rehabilitation facility for specialized treatments but his health was steadily declining. Yesterday he was re-admitted to the hospital with bleeding in the brain, and he was put in coronary intensive care. Although the ventilator was removed, he continued to breathe on his own.
Although he suffered from his loss of independence, he was happy to concelebrate Mass almost every day in the chapel of the Little Sisters Home in the shadow of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in our nation’s capital.
The Marist priests and brothers visited him almost daily, and Father depended very much on his superior, Fr. Bruce, who was always there for him. In a few words, Fr. Dubay literally practiced what he preached! Father was happy to give weekly classes to the Little Sister postulants –classes which he enjoyed as much as they! From his room, Father continued his spiritual direction with many persons who called on him and this also was extended to letter writing.
We can render prayers of thanksgiving for the wonderful support Father gave to religious communities spending a good part of his life giving conferences and retreats. Although his preaching and spiritual direction was delivered to contemplative communities, his teaching was not for them alone. Religious the world over benefitted of his spiritual wisdom and guidance for years. He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace after leading so many souls to true spiritual peace during his lifetime! The opening prayer of today’s liturgy says it all: “Help us hurry toward the Eternal Life you promise and come to share in the joys of your kingdom”.
For more about Fr. Dubay's writings and work, see his author page at Ignatius Insight.
UPDATE (Sept. 28, 2010): Tim Drake has posted a piece for National Catholic Register in remembrance of Father Dubay.
I would also like to personally recommend Fr. Dubay's book entitled, Happy Are You Poor, it is an excellent and eye-opening read.
†Dona eis requiem.
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