By Donna Orsuto, Director
The Rev. Donald Senior, C.P., an exceptional priest, biblical scholar, and friend of many, died Nov. 8. All of us at The Lay Centre express our deepest condolences to his family, members of the Passionist Congregation and the administration, staff, and students of Catholic Theological Union, where he served as president emeritus and chancellor.
We were privileged to know him for he served on The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas board from 2004 to 2014. Even amid many other commitments, he always made the time to share his creativity and wisdom with The Lay Centre. We are grateful for all he did, especially for his instrumental role in assisting The Lay Centre in moving to our current home on the Caelian Hill in Rome, where we have lived for the past 12 years.
A few current and former Board Members and friends shared their memories of Father Senior. Sonia Vandama wrote, "An extraordinary man, a world-renowned biblical scholar, author, lecturer, educator and pastoral leader. Don Senior was above all a gracious, soft-spoken and powerful communicator with the gift to inspire. He taught by example with his friendly, unassuming personality, and enriched the lives of many, including mine."
Echoing these words, Joseph Lynaugh remarked, "He possessed a unique and extraordinary combination of graciousness, scholarship, political savvy and the ability to get things done all – grounded in a deep faith."
“I remember him with warmth and fondness,” said Nancy Lindsey, who served as chair during Father Senior’s time on The Lay Centre board. “Though with heavy demands on his time in the wider world, he was of great service to The Lay Centre and always a congenial presence. May he rest in peace now and rise in glory.”
All of us join with Cardinal Joseph Tobin in recognizing that "Father Senior opened the richness of the Word of God to disciples across the world. May he now enjoy the fullness of redemption."
On Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. Rome time, The Lay Centre will remember Father Senior at Mass, along with other alumni and friends who died recently. The Mass, in the Feast of St. Andrew, which will be livestreamed, will be presided by the Rev. Joachim Rego, C.P., the superior general of the Passionist Congregation. A link for the livestreaming will be advertised as soon as available.