Feb. 25, 2011
Catholic University and the Dominican House of Studies said farewell today to a beloved CUA philosophy dean who was remembered for his friendship, a gift he shared generously with colleagues, fellow priests, friends, and family.
In his homily at the Mass of Christian Burial for Rev. Kurt J. Pritzl, O.P., dean and associate professor of the School of Philosophy, Rev. Edward Gorman, O.P., noted that "one of God's gifts to Father Kurt was friendship" and he shared it with personal notes, at parties, and on the CUA campus.
Under the arched ceiling of the Crypt Church of the Basilica of National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Father Gorman also noted his fellow priest's sense of humor, stubbornness, and dedication to teaching. His accounts of humorous moments in Father Pritzl's life drew laughter from members of the congregation who spilled into the aisles of the Crypt Church. Almost 900 people attended the Mass.
Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl, archbishop of Washington and CUA chancellor, served as the main celebrant. The approximately 110 concelebrants included members of the CUA faculty.
The Catholic University of America Chamber Choir, under the direction of Leo Nestor, Justine Bayard Ward Professor of Music, and the Schola of the Dominican House of Studies, under the direction of Rev. James Moore, O.P., sang at the Mass. To view a video of the Mass, click here .
During his homily, Father Gorman noted that the dean's stubbornness came through in his philosophical arguments with colleagues and students. "His stubbornness was part of his friendship," he said. "He was always honest. He was good at arguing. He did it for a living."
Father Pritzl passed away the evening of Feb. 21 at the age of 59 following a three-year illness. He joined Catholic University's School of Philosophy in 1980. Ordained a priest on May 31, 1991, he served as the philosophy school's assistant dean, acting dean and then interim dean from 1983 to early 2000. He was appointed dean in May 2000.
The dean also loved to preach, said Father Gorman. Toward the end of his life, when he was in hospice, Father Pritzl was often restless at night. One evening, Father Gorman said he paid him a visit and started praying the Rosary to help his friend settle down.
"We prayed three Hail Mary's, and after that, he said, 'That's enough.' He went back to what he was doing, probably preaching," said Father Gorman with a smile. "He had so much more to offer, but it was his time to go."
Father Gorman remarked on the significance of the Crypt Church, where Father Pritzl was ordained a deacon and where he frequently knelt and prayed.
At the end of the Mass, Cardinal Wuerl noted that Father Pritzl loved to preach the truth that "Jesus Christ has risen and so shall we."
"When we gathered with him for the Anointing of the Sick, the conversation revolved around his passage," said Cardinal Wuerl. "His belief in the truth allowed him to console everyone else."
Cardinal Wuerl also extended "a word of sympathy to President [John] Garvey and the entire CUA community" as well as "recognition of the loss of a great colleague." Finally, he said the Church thanks the Dominicans, the Order of Preachers, "for nurturing such a wonderful brother."