Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Joseph's,
I am sorry to write you with very sad news. Fr. Barnabas Davis, O.P. passed away this afternoon in Washington, D.C., at the age of 79. Fr. Davis was a great preacher, teacher, and priest for over 50 years. I know that many of you remember him fondly from his time serving here at St. Joseph's and will join me in offering prayers for him and his happy repose.
I reached out to Michael Benoit, our webmaster, a little earlier today to say that I wanted to communicate this unhappy news to the parish. His response is worth sharing, as I think it sums up the thoughts and sentiments of so many of us. He wrote: "I was just thinking about Fr. Davis this past Sunday on my way home from St. Joe's. I was wondering what he would have said about that Gospel with the five foolish and five wise maidens. He could preach — consistently — like no one I have seen before or since."
Speaking as a member of the Order of Preachers, I assure you that that's just about the highest compliment that a friar could ever receive, and one in which I know Fr. Davis would delight.
We pray that Fr. Barnabas Davis' voice (oh, that voice!) might be joined to those in the choirs of heaven for all eternity. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In Christ,
Fr. James Cuddy, O.P.