Dana Greene cultivated relationships in the wider circles of Catholic spiritual, intellectual and political life, where her presence will be missed and her work will have lasting impact.
The co-founder of a ministry to abuse survivors recalls a friend who struggled with depression but never lost his faith. Luis A. Torres Jr. died March 30 at the age of 58.
Teresia Mbari Hinga, who died March 31, was a theologian and a human being who embodied Spirit-centered paradoxes and called the academy, church and world to take seriously the transformative power of conversion.
Appreciation: As a psychologist, then-Fr. Pat Nidorf recognized the limits of the church's approach to homosexuality and he began a group in 1970, "to bring dignity into the spiritual and social lives of some very special people."
Appreciation: Reporter Patricia Lefevere was an editor's dream, ready to go anywhere on a moment's notice and eager to talk to as many people as she could to get the story, remembers retired NCR editor Tom Roberts.
The dynamic, groundbreaking Dolores Curran arrived in heaven on Dec. 4. At a time when the U.S. church was dominated by priests and religious, she introduced the then-shocking notion that laity might also play a part.
Passionist Fr. Donald Senior began homilies and teachings with "Dear friends." He had a unique way of making everyone he met feel like they were a beloved friend. May he rest in peace.
Appreciation: In the dark years of apartheid in South Africa, Dominican Fr. Albert Nolan offered a message of hope and a prophetic vision. A well-known Catholic anti-apartheid activist and theologian, he died Oct. 17.