We are saddened to share that Fr. John W. O’Malley, S.J. went to the house of the Father on September 11, 2022.
A scholar, professor and priest, Fr. O’Malley was nationally-known for his expertise on Renaissance European and early modern Catholic history. An academic heavy-weight, he was also remembered for his humility.
Fr. O’Malley was University Professor Emeritus of Theology at Georgetown University. Before that, he taught generations of lay students and clergy as the Distinguished Professor of Church History at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, from 1979 until 2006.
Over the years, he shared his expertise through lectures at the Lumen Christi Institute and through masters classes which he taught our students. Check out some of our recorded lectures, symposia and master classes featuring the expertise of Fr. O’Malley:
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“The Open Question of Church Polity and Governance: Trent, Vatican I, Vatican II” Discussion with John W. O’Malley, Russell Hittinger and Jennifer Newsome Martin, Dec. 4, 2019
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“Humanism as an Educational Ideal” Webinar with John W. O’Malley, Feb. 6, 2021
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“Venerating the Saints: An Ancient Tradition Actual Today” Lecture with John W. O’Malley, Nov. 1, 2020
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“Vatican I: Loss and Gain with Papal Governance of the Catholic Church” Oct. 13, 2018 Symposium with John W. O’Malley, Russell Hittinger and Joseph G. Mueller, Oct. 13, 2018
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“Councils and Popes: Who’s in Charge?” Masterclass with John W. O’Malley, Oct. 12, 2018
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“Comparing Trent, Vatican I, and Vatican II” with John W. O’Malley, Oct. 11, 2018
The Lumen Christi Institute’s writer-in-residence, Kenneth Woodward, shared his personal tribute of their friendship. Read the article featured in Commonweal Magazine here.
More about Fr. John W. O’Malley’s life | A member of the Midwest Jesuit Province, Fr. O’Malley received his PhD in History from Harvard University in 1965. He also received many academic honors, including twenty honorary degrees, eight best-book prizes, and in 2016, the Centennial Medal from Harvard University. In 1995, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Science, and in 1997 to the American Philosophical Society. His best-known book is The First Jesuits, Harvard University Press, 1993, now in twelve languages. His most recent books with Harvard Press are: What Happened at Vatican II, 2008; Trent: What Happened at the Council, 2013; Vatican I: The Council and the Making of the Ultramontane Church, 2018; and When Bishops Meet: An Essay Comparing Trent, Vatican I, and Vatican II, 2019.
He had an impact on countless students and laypersons. He will be greatly missed. Please join us in prayer in gratitude for Fr. O’Malley’s life and service to the greater glory of God.