In Memoriam: Rev. John S. Dunne, C.S.C., John A. O'Brien Professor of Theology | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › In Memoriam: Rev. John S. Dunne, C.S.C., John A. O'Brien Professor of Theology In Memoriam: Rev. John S. Dunne, C.S.C., John A. O'Brien Professor of Theology Published: November 11, 2013 Author: Michael O. Garvey Rev. John S. Dunne, C.S.C. Rev. John S. Dunne, C.S.C., John A. O’Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, died early Monday (Nov. 11) at Holy Cross House after a long struggle with complications of a head injury sustained in July. He was 83. “On behalf of the University, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Father John S. Dunne, a beloved teacher, scholar, priest and friend,” said Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. “John brought humility, honesty and intellectual prowess to a quest of faith seeking understanding, and in sharing the journey, he made lasting contributions to the lives of countless students, colleagues, fellow religious and many readers of his books. Like many others, I benefited greatly from classes and conversations with John, and mourn his passing. He will be missed by all.” A native of Waco, Texas, Father Dunne attended St. Edward’s Academy in Austin before entering Holy Cross Minor Seminary at Notre Dame, where he made his first vows to the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1947. He studied philosophy and graduated from Notre Dame in 1951. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1954, in Rome, where he also earned advanced degrees from the Gregorian University. Father Dunne returned to Notre Dame in 1957 to become one of its most popular, even beloved, teachers. In addition to teaching more Notre Dame students than any other person in the University’s history, he wrote some 20 influential works on theology and the spiritual life, including “The City of the Gods,” “A Search for God in Time and Memory” and “Way of All the Earth.” His most recent book, “Eternal Consciousness,” received a first-place award from the Catholic Press Association. Gus Zuehlke, a friend and former student, spent some time at Father Dunne’s hospital bedside and reported on his visit in a post to Notre Dame Magazine: “As I was silently praying in John’s room, a nurse walked in and said to me, ‘I’m on my break. Can I stay in here for a while?’ ‘Sure,’ I replied. ‘You see,’ the nurse said, ‘I feel God here.’ I said to him, ‘I understand.’” Generations of Notre Dame students and alumni would understand as well. Visitation will be from 3:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 14) in the Lady Chapel of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, where a wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 3:30 p.m. Friday (Nov. 15) in the Basilica and immediately followed by burial in the Holy Cross community cemetery. Memorial contributions in support of the mission and ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross can be made to United States Province of Priests and Brothers, Office of Development, P.O. Box 765, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0765, or online at donate.holycrossusa.org. Posted In: Faith Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Related October 03, 2022 dCEC to Award 2023 ND Evangelium Vitae Medal to Robert P. George September 22, 2022 In memoriam: Rev. Richard Warner, C.S.C., longtime leader for Notre Dame, Congregation of Holy Cross September 15, 2022 In new book on global Catholicism, Provost John McGreevy explores modern history, current challenges of the Church September 15, 2022 Death penalty abolitionist Sister Helen Prejean to speak at Notre Dame September 14, 2022 Apostolic nuncio to Great Britain to deliver the 2022 Keeley Vatican Lecture For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn