September 30, 2009

Jesuit priest-founder of unique Denver Catholic school dies

By Denver Catholic Register

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—Jesuit Father Thomas S. Prag, founder of a unique Catholic school in north Denver, died suddenly on Saturday morning, Sept. 19 at White House Retreat in St. Louis, where he had just begun serving as superior of the community in mid-August.

Father Prag was 71 years old and had just completed his 52nd year as a Jesuit.

Born in St. Louis on July 24, 1938, Father Prag grew up in south St. Louis. He entered the Society of Jesus in Florissant, Mo., on Aug. 17, 1957. He followed the usual course of studies, doing his philosophical studies at St. Louis University and his regency in Wichita, Kan., teaching English and elocution at Chaplain Kapaun Memorial High School.

He returned to St. Louis for his theology studies at Lewis Memorial and was ordained on Dec. 6, 1969. He earned a master’s degree in spiritual theology from St. Louis University in 1971 and completed his formal formation with tertianship (last period of Jesuit formation) under the guidance of Jesuit Father Vince O’Flaherty in Cushing, Okla.

For most of Father Prag’s 40 years of priestly ministry he was involved in spiritual direction and directing retreats. He first served as spiritual director for the scholastics at Fusz Memorial and for priests and sisters in programs for people who were preparing for work in formation and leadership positions in their communities.

Throughout his career Father Prag developed a keen interest in social justice issues. Never an activist or a reformer, he was simply mindful of the poor and the powerless. From 1984 to 1986 he served as the provincial’s assistant for social ministries. Even though he was not skilled as a linguist, he and two other Jesuits moved into the predominantly Hispanic area surrounding Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Denver to be present to the people, to do what pastoral ministry they could, but mostly to learn from the people. During those years he played an instrumental role in the founding of Escuela de Guadalupe, a dual-language Catholic grade school in the neighborhood.

“Father Tom was a primary creator of this school and more important, of this mission,” said David Card, president of Escuela de Guadalupe School. “His process of creating this school was a process of listening to people who don’t always get a voice, the result of which created an extraordinary opportunity for children in this neighborhood.”

Father Prag loved retreat work and served on the staff of Sacred Heart Retreat House in Sedalia, Colo., from 1987 to 1994 and for two shorter periods of time at White House Retreat in St. Louis. When the need arose in 2005 for the provincial to appoint a novice director on short notice, Father Prag graciously agreed to accept the position. His extensive experience with Ignatian spirituality and his gentle steadiness served the novices well. He was, however, delighted to be reassigned to White House Retreat in August and was settling in to the role as superior of the community when he was struck by a sudden, massive heart attack.

Friends said his gentle wisdom reinforced with his trademark smile brought peace to many.

At Father Prag’s funeral, noted Card, it was recalled that a favorite motto of his was  “Life is good, it’s getting better all the time and the best is yet to come.”

“He had a hat with that saying on it,” Card  said. “Now that he has passed on, the meaning of ‘the best is yet to come’ is exceptionally poignant.”

Visitation was held Sept. 22 and a funeral Mass was celebrated the following day, both at St. Francis Xavier College Church. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to: Jesuits of the Missouri Province, 4511 W. Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108-2191.

Memorial Mass for Father Thomas Prag, S.J.

When: 11 a.m. Oct. 9
Where: St. Patrick Church, 3325 Pecos St.
Reception: to follow at Escuela de Guadalupe, 3401 Pecos St.
Who: all who would like to celebrate the life of Father Prag are invited