Fr. Neuhaus certainly added a lot to the intellectual credibility of the Church. His conversion was noted by leading men and women of serious thought. And his work, thus, in ecumenism through intellectual pursuits was significant. Russell Shaw once commented insightfully about how certain Catholic apostolates have not managed to appeal to the more thoughtful Catholic populous and failed in reaching out to them, thusly. Such could not be said of Neuhaus. His work was, rather, a tribute to its importance and value.
While, in recent years, Fr. Neuhaus at times became a bit cliched, and sometimes tended to focus less on serious thought than ideology, his long life and work still stands as noteworthy in its importance to the Church, the secular and religious worlds, and public discourse on serious issues.
Several years ago, I heard him in a broadcast radio interview on Good Friday. He was discussing his book, Death on a Friday Afternoon. It is his wise reflection upon the topic based upon meditation, priestly ministry, life experience with friends and family, and even his own near encounter of the past. Most importantly, of course, the passion of Christ. At this time of his own passing it would make for an excellent read.
Go forth now, good servant, into the light of Christ!
