Dear Friends of Woodstock, As some of you may already have learned, Woodstock lost one of its most cherished and distinguished former fellows this weekend, when Father Walter Burghardt, S.J., passed away on Saturday in Philadelphia at the age of 93. A viewing is being held tomorrow, Wednesday, February 20th, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church here in Washington, DC.  It begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 7:00 p.m.  Immediately afterwards a reception is being held at Wolfington Hall (the Georgetown University Jesuit Community building). Walter was one of the most outstanding theologians and preachers of our era, and his passing is a great loss. With his fervor for justice and unbounded compassion, he breathed confidence and optimism into his work at Woodstock, and touched the lives of countless people. He was perhaps best known for his published collections of homilies, and for his leadership of Woodstock's "Preaching the Just Word" program, which he launched in 1990. Through the program's retreats and workshops, Walter and Woodstock senior fellow Father Ray Kemp have worked with thousands of priests, deacons, and other preachers around the country, helping them to improve their preaching and use their homilies as a powerful tool for promoting the Biblical vision of social justice. However, Preaching the Just Word was only the capstone to Walter's lifelong connection with Woodstock. After entering the Society of Jesus in 1931, he earned his M.A., Ph.L., and S.T.L. degrees at the old Woodstock College in Maryland, and was ordained there in 1941. While his subsequent academic career would carry him to positions around the country and around the world, he always cherished his connection to Woodstock. For years he taught Patristic Theology at Woodstock College in Maryland, and served on the College's faculty after it relocated to New York. When the decision was made to close the College in 1974, Walter helped spearhead an effort to ensure that the Woodstock tradition did not perish, and that the College's scholarly mission continued in a new form -- as a theological research center. Walter was a part of the Center from its very birth, serving as a Research Associate from 1974 to 1990, when he became a Senior Fellow. Amidst all of this activity, Walter also found time to teach at Princeton, Notre Dame, and Georgetown, serve as president of the Catholic Theological Society of America and the American Theological Society, work on the International Papal Theological Commission, and served as managing editor and then editor of "Theological Studies" for 44 years. He published over 300 articles, and was awarded honorary degrees by at least 17 colleges and universities. His example of scholarly rigor, deep love for our Maker, and a passion for social justice is one that all Woodstock fellows strive to live up to. Walter's burial will take place on Thursday, February 21st, at 10:00 a.m., at the Jesuit Cemetery in Woodstock, Maryland. Letters of condolence may be sent to Walter's cousin, Danielle Burghardt McDavit, at 1055 River Road, apt. (703) Edgewater, NJ 07020.  The Maryland Jesuit Province has generously asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Woodstock for the Center's Preaching the Just Word program. You can find these details on the Province's web site, at this address: http://www.mdsj.org/Deaths/Burghardt_Walter2.html Walter and his ministry were a most unique and treasured blessing from our Lord. I am sure that you will join with me during this time of grieving, as we mourn our loss, offer our prayers for Walter, and give thanks for the example of his incredible life. --Gasper F. Lo Biondo, S.J.