The Rev. Raymond R.Fitzgerald, S.J., a Jesuit priest,mentor, educator and belovedfriend to so many in the JesuitHigh School community, died onSept. 17, of complications fromamyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Hewas 58.

Fr. Fitzgerald served as pres-ident of Jesuit from 2011 to 2014,stepping down after being diag-nosed with ALS, commonlyknown as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“Fr. Fitzgerald’s wisdom,sense of humor, and empathy forothers made a significant impactwherever he served,” the Rev.Anthony McGinn, S.J., said in astatement. Fr. McGinn returnedin 2014 to serve as interim presi-dent of the school.

“I am personally grateful tohim because his leadership andinsight have left a mark on me,countless others and Jesuit High

School. Please remember himand his family in your prayers.”

Fr. Fitzgerald died at the St.Alphonsus Rodriguez Pavilion,part of St. Charles College inGrand Coteau, La., the Jesuitretreat center, college and infir-mary, where he had been livingsince June of last year.

Fr. Fitzgerald was precededin death by his father, RaymondR. Fitzgerald Sr.

He is survived by his mother,Mary Fitzgerald, and his sister,Lucy Smedstad, both of Slidell.

A funeral Mass was celebrat-ed on Sept. 24 at St. CharlesBorromeo Church in GrandCoteau, with burial following atthe Jesuit Cemetery at St. CharlesCollege.

In a recent interview, Fr.McGinn recalled what he saidwas the biggest lesson he learnedfrom his former student and long-time colleague and brother priest.

“Listen to others carefullyand be attentive,” Fr. McGinnsaid.

He also noted how Fr.Fitzgerald’s final lesson was in

facing the cross of his illness withcourage, hope and faith. The lasttime the two spoke, he said, hewas maintaining “an upbeat, pos-itive attitude.”

Raymond R. Fitzgerald Jr.was born in New Orleans on July

13, 1958, to Mary Fitzgerald, aprofessor at Loyola University,and Raymond Fitzgerald, a ship-ping accountant.

Growing up in theBroadmoor neighborhood, hewas a parishioner of St. Matthias

Catholic Church.After attending the New

Orleans Academy for elementaryschool, in 1971 he enrolled atJesuit High School, the beginning

The

JBlueay

Volume 89, No. 2

A. M. D. G.

Special Memorial Edition

See FITZGERALD, Page 3

Fr. Raymond R. Fitzgerald, S.J.Passing ofa spiritualleader

July 13, 1958 - Sept. 17, 2016

By Jonathan LeBrunNews Editor

ALS claims lifeof former president,beloved educator

He touched our lives with grace,always reflecting the love of God

Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald,S.J., was an amazing man and aservant of God. He always soughtways to help all those aroundhim.

With this dedication, he lefta profound mark not only onJesuit High School but on eachBlue Jay whose life he touched.

More than 40 years ago, Fr.Fitzgerald walked the halls ofJesuit as a student – an experi-ence that allowed him to develop

a special relationship with newBlue Jays.

Jesuit is, for many eighthand ninth graders, significantlylarger than their elementaryschools, which makes adjustingdifficult for these new students.

A number of them comewithout knowing a single other

Even amid his duties as president, Fr. Fitzgerald regularly foundthe time to spend with students throughout his day.

By Donald BarrettEditor-in-Chief

An Editorial

See EDITORIAL, Page 4

Upon learning of Fr.Raymond Fitzgerald’s death,those who knew him – studentspast and present, colleagues,brother priests, friends – reachedout to share stories of favoritememories and encounters thatembodied the life of a kind andhumble man of God. Throughsocial media postings, emails andindividual conversations, hereare some of the ways that weremember Fr. Fitz.

******Fr. Fitzgerald was an amaz-

ing man who was such a hugeinfluence on so many lives. Hetaught us how to be humble andcharitable through his example.He taught us how to look forgood in everyone, as St. Ignatiusdid. He taught us how to offer upany suffering joyfully to God. Hetaught us how to put God first inour lives. He had a presenceabout himself that drew others toGod. He lived his life in totalobedience to God’s will and did itwith such joy. His sense of humorwas amazing and was one of hismost endearing qualities.

Every time I go into thesmall chapel at Jesuit and I seethe beauty of the renovation, Ismile and think of him, and feel agreat deal of joy. Every time Ihear the Suscipeprayer, I alsosmile and think of him.

I am a better person for hav-ing known Fr. Fitzgerald and Iam thankful to God for havingthe privilege of knowing him,working with him, and being ableto call him friend. Kathy JuhasAcademic Assistant Principal

I may say more later if I canget anything I could possibly saytogether, but for now, Fr. Fitz,I’m going to go with the onlything I think you would not beembarrassed to hear from me:Thank you. I’m going to trust thatyou understand all I mean when Isay that. You always have.Bradley JamesClass of 2011

I will always remember Fr.Fitzgerald as one of the mostintelligent and kindest personsthat I have ever met.His stu-dents, their parents and the facul-ty all appreciated him in both histeaching as well as his adminis-trative duties.

He had a way of makingthose around him feel very com-fortable in his presence.He wasalso so humble in his manner-isms. He accepted andhandledhis sickness with such grace. Fr.Fitzgerald had so much to offer toso many.Andr ew SchiroGuidance counselor

Fr. Fitzgerald was a specialperson, the sort that one maymeet perhaps once in a lifetimeand whose influence will lingerfor decades. Always sharp with atwinkle of wit in his eyes, he hada knack for surprising you when-ever he talked, providing somenew perspective or trinket ofinformation from his many, well-

read years. As a confessor, he waskind, understanding, and wise.While it a shame for disease totake such a great person, I cannothelp but think that there was nobetter man to have borne such aburden.Ian CalamariClass of 2014

He was calm, holy, andfunny! We were all blessed toknow him – and now he’s evencloser to God, so he’s in theexpress lane with our prayers andneeds!Kathi TomenyRetired Mathematics teacher

While the very faith Fr. Fitzformed in me transforms this“goodbye” into an “I’ll see youagain,” I am nonetheless heart-broken to lose him. In 2011, hesat down with me for a four-hourconversation that would not onlyovercome my thoughts of agnos-ticism, but would set up theseven-year spiritual directionrelationship that has changed mylife forever. His legacy is loveand will live on in its ever-cre-ative nature in me and everyone Iever love.

Father, I already miss yourimmediate assistance on earth,but look forward to your speedyintercession from heaven. But letus turn to the hope of faith by ourmutually favorite C. S. Lewisquote: “All their life in this worldand all their adventures had onlybeen the cover and the title page:now at last they were beginningChapter One of the Great Storywhich no one on earth has read:which goes on forever: in whichevery chapter is better than theone before.”

As we said every time wedeparted from each other, “I’llsee you again in the Lord’s time.”Christopher WilsonClass of 2014

When Fr. Fitzgerald leftJesuit for Dallas in 2003, hewrote a personal message toevery student he had either taughtor ministered to in some way. Itwas incredible that he said some-thing very personal about thatstudent to each one as he waswishing them the best as hemoved on to another assignmentwith the Society of Jesus. Withsuch personal touches, Fr.Fitzgerald seemed to have anaura of spirituality so genuine yetso mystical.Aur ora DaigleGuidance counselor

My family will be forevergrateful for having known Fr.Fitzgerald. Two memories wewill always cherish. When wewere devastated with HurricaneKatrina and the loss of our home,Fr. Fitzgerald helped and guidedus in the direction we would take.We spoke to him several times ashis kind words and encourage-ment led us to Dallas and theJesuit school there.Those fourmonths gave us hope in the midstof great difficulties.

The second memory was my

son’s wedding.He had asked Fr.Fitzgerald to celebrate it, but ashis disease became worse, weweren’t sure if he would be ableto participate. While we enlistedFr. John Brown’s help to say theMass, Fr. Fitzgerald was deter-mined to preach the homily. Hisbeautiful words, spoken withgreat difficulty, will never be for-gotten. We thank God always forallowing us to know and experi-ence this very good man.Steve HayesSocial Studies teacher

During my freshman yearstudying Classics at theUniversity of Notre Dame, I wasrecuperating from surgery atChildren’s Hospital when I got anunexpected visit from Fr.Fitzgerald, then the president ofJesuit High School, who was aClassics major himself. He wasalways looming there in the shad-ows when I was at Jesuit as thishighly intellectual figure. But Imost remember his kindness,coming to visit me after I had sur-gery, and we talked about theClassics. He was a true mentor.Brian Cr edo Jr.Class of 2011

The longest chat I had withFr. Fitzgerald was in my eighth-grade year. I will remember itforever. I made an appointment tochat about my own vocationbecause I was thinking about thepriesthood. Fr. Fitz told me hisvocation story, what going to thepriesthood meant for him andwhy he loved working withyoung people. It wasthen that Icould see why so many studentsand alumni remained in contactwith him over the years. Therewas no issue that I could bring tohim that he would be able to helpme with.

Toward the end of my fresh-man year, I started attendingdaily masses in the second-floorchapel. During his weekly Mass,it started becoming obvious thatsome of the parts of the Masswere not very easy for himto

perform anymore. I know hecherished every Mass hegot tosay for students. I was also fortu-nate enough to serve his lastMass asschool president.

The last email I have fromhim said, “Let us continue to askGod for the grace to know and todo His will.” That is very indica-tive of all the lessons he tried toteach hisstudents over the years.To know God’s will, we simplyhave to ask.Will MatthewsClass of 2017

There are few people aboutwhich you can say with all sin-cerity that “he was truly a livingsaint.” Fr. Fitzgerald was certain-ly one of those men.

In my life, I have beenblessed to know him in a varietyof capacities: as a spiritual father,a teacher, a brother in the Societyof Jesus, and a colleague. It wasan honor to be able to share somany wonderful years of my lifewith him at Jesuit High School.He was a wonderful person: hum-ble, kind-hearted, brilliant, withan incredible sense of humor.

I recently learned that Fr.Fitz had a particularly strongdevotion to St. RobertBellarmine, on whose feast hedied. Bellarmine wrote a bookcalled “The Art of Dying Well.”In that, he lists 10 precepts. Thevery first is that in order to diewell, one must live well. I canthink of no man who lived welland became more perfected bythe grace of God than Fr. Fitz. Ican think of no man that diedwith more grace and trust in theLord than Fr. Fitz.

To mourn over his own con-dition would to make himself thecenter, and for this man of faith,that would be unthinkable. Theleast important person in theworld for Raymond Fitzgeraldwas Raymond Fitzgerald. Forhim, love for and trust in Godwas the most important thing.That love for God drove him tobe the great man for others thathe was. And of those of us that

were positively influenced by hispresence in our life, we could notbe more grateful.Scott DelatteTheology teacher, Class of 2006

These are two of the manymemories I have of Fr.Fitzgerald. First, I have alwaysfound it amusing and ironic that Iwas actually Fr. Fitzgerald’s bosswhen I was chairman of theClassics department, before heeven became my boss as presi-dent of Jesuit High School. I hadno business being his boss.

Secondly, in January of 1997he once taught all of my classesfor a week when I was a first-yearteacher so that I could go on myhoneymoon. I have always beenindebted to him for this. I stillremember what he said to mebefore I left that Friday to getmarried: “Mitch, congratulations!Enjoy your honeymoon. The onlypromise I can make is that yourstudents will know no less Latinupon your return than they dotoday.”

When he left Jesuit in 2003,he wrote me this note. I don’tkeep too many things, but I cher-ish this now more than ever. Ithangs in my classroom and itembodies Fr. Fitzgerald – hum-ble, grateful and to the point.

Dear Mitch,Just a few lines to thank you

for all your support here and foryour leadership of the depart-ment in these past years. I havealways enjoyed your colleague-ship and company.

All the best for the upcomingyear.

Sincerely, Raymond

Mitch ChapotonClassics teacher, Class of 1987

Whenever my siblings or Ishared our plans, a comment, anopinion, or just a wish with ourdad, Verne Tripp, he oftenresponded with the words “To besure.” We took it as his approvalor just a signal that he was listen-ing. During the time when hewas in hospice care and we knewhis end was near, my niece toldhim she would be back to see himthe next day. His response, evenin a haze of palliative medication,was “To be sure.”Those werehis last known words as hepassed away during that night.

Fr. Fitzgerald agreed to cele-brate the Mass for our dad.Inspeaking with him about Daddy, Imentioned in passing those lastwords. At the Mass, Fr.Fitzgerald focused his homily onthose words “To be sure.” Moreeloquently than I can remembernow, he compared them to “So beit” or “Amen,” a closure to theprayer that was Daddy’s life.

My siblings and I deeplyappreciated how Fr. Fitzgeraldpersonalized his sermon. It was asource of great comfort at thetime and a memory of Fr.Fitzgerald’s wisdom and kind-ness that we will never forget.Liddy Tripp HanemannAdministrative assistant, Admissions and Athletics

Volume 89, No. 2 Page 2In MemoriamIn Memoriam

Memories of a life well lived

Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J., delivers his homily at the Mass ofthe Holy Spirit at the start of the 2013 school year.

of a lifelong connection. At Carrollton and Banks,

Ray Fitzgerald was a member ofthe National Honor Society aswell as a National Merit Finalist.

In his senior year, he was thecopy editor of the Blue JayAnnual.

He also participated in manyco-curriculars, including theChess Club, and Prep Quiz Bowl,both moderated by the then Mr.McGinn, who was on the facultybefore his own ordination.

Also serving as his seniorhomeroom teacher, Fr. McGinnremembered the youngFitzgerald as “a quiet, friendlyand studious student” during histime wearing the khaki uniform.

Following graduation fromJesuit as part of the Class of1976, he attended LoyolaUniversity, earning undergradu-ate degrees in history and clas-sics.

Upon leaving Loyola, heentered the Society of Jesus onAug. 14, 1980.

After making his first vows,he continued his studies at St.Louis University, earning a mas-ter’s degree in history.

He completed his theologicalstudies at the Weston School ofTheology in Cambridge, Mass.,in 1990, also attaining a master’sdegree in religious educationfrom Boston College in 1991.

During his formation as aJesuit, he also taught at JesuitCollege Preparatory in Dallasfrom 1984 to 1987.

Fr. Fitzgerald was ordainedas a priest at Spring Hill Collegein Mobile, Ala., on June 8, 1991.

He pronounced his finalvows on Dec. 8, 1999, here in theChapel of the North AmericanMartyrs.

Followingordination, hetaught atJesuit, andlater served asrector of theJesuit commu-nity here.

During histenure, he

taught classes in Latin, Greek,English and theology, and servedas the school’s chaplain.

In 2003, he returned to JesuitCollege Prep in Dallas, serving assuperior of that community, andlater was appointed to serve asthe assistant to the provincial, thehead of the New OrleansProvince of the Society of Jesusfrom 2007 to 2011.

In 2010, Fr. Fitzgerald wasnamed the 15th president ofJesuit High School, assuming thepost at the start of the 2011-12academic year.

Among the major accom-plishments of his time as presi-dent included the restoration ofthe Holy Name of Jesus Chapeland the creation of the strategicplan, that will enable the schoolto continue its mission for yearsto come.

Fluent in several languages,Fr. Fitzgerald was an avid reader,sometimes reading three books atonce – each in a different lan-guage.

Friends also recalled hisenjoyment of going out to dinnerat many of the city’s great restau-rants.

He also was a movie fan. Hissense of humor was evident evenin referencing zombie films in hishomilies.

Throughout his life, he was aman of God whose faith wasstrong and loving.

As we look back upon hislife, we remember the times thathe made us laugh, think andappreciate all that God has givenus.

We realize that he embodiedthe same characteristics that heinstilled in his students, even intohis final days.

At the morning assembly onJan. 15, 2014, in which heannounced his diagnosis andintention to step down as presi-dent, he spoke of that faith andquoted St. Ignatius’ Suscipeprayer:

“The purpose of our beinghere is to praise, reverence, andserve God our Lord. God gives usthe means of doing this each day.

Good or ill health doesn’t enterinto it,” Fr. Fitzgerald said.

“With the witness of my life,I wish to assure that this is true. Itis true because of the closing lineof Ignatius’ prayer, ‘Take andreceive.’

“The prayer concludes withthe line, ‘Give me only Your loveand Your grace; that is enough.’

“It is true that God neverfails to give us His love and Hisgrace.”

In MemoriamIn Memoriam Page 3Volume 89, No. 2

ModeratorTheodore P. Mahne

The Blue JayEditorial Board

Managing EditorRichi Fernando ’17

Sports Editor

Ian Fogarty ’17

Layout EditorTommy Curry ’18

Chief Photo EditorMatthew O’Neill ’17

Assistant Photo

EditorWesley Bennett Faust ’17

News Editor

Jonathan LeBrun ’20

Features Editor

Philip Hourgettes ’17

Entertainment EditorPeyton Toups ’19

Opinions EditorJohn Howell ’18

Editor-in-ChiefDonald Barrett ’18

FitzgeraldContinued from Page 1

As a memberof the Classof 1976, RayFitzgeraldwas a leaderwith theChristianLifeCommunity.He is shownhere, secondfr om left,with othermembers ofthe group’sexecutivecommitteeand modera-tor, Fr. JoeReising.

Fr. Fitzgerald a Jesuit for36 yearsMuch of his life spentat Carrollton and Banks

The illness that claimed thelife of Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald,S.J., remains incurable. Butadvances in the development oftreatments are being made.

You can help. The annualWalk to Defeat ALS will takeplace in Audubon Park on Oct.22. Participation is free, andwalkers raise money by signingup sponsors.

The JSquad, Jesuit’s walkteam, is captained by scienceteacher Amy Tassin. It has a teamgoal of raising $7,500. To make adonation or to join the team, con-tact Tassin for more information.

You also can sign up directlyat ALSA.org, and click on the“Get Involved” link. When youreach “New Orleans walk,”select “View all teams” and click

on “J Squad.”Amyotrophic lateral sclero-

sis is a progressive neurodegen-erative disease that affects nervecells in the brain and the spinalcord, leading to weakend andpotentially paralyzed muscles. Itfirst gained notoriety when itstruck New York Yankee LouGehrig in 1939. It is the illnessthat now afflicts former NewOrleans Saint Steve Gleason.

Approximately 5,600 peoplein the United States are diag-nosed with ALS each year, anincidence rate of two per 100,000people. It is estimated that asmany as 30,000 Americans mayhave the disease at any giventime.

For more information, visitALSA.org or teamgleason.org

Ever a teacher, even when he returned to Jesuit to assume the post as president of the school, Fr.Fitzgerald also returned to the classroom. His theology course on the writings of C.S. Lewis was apopular senior elective.

Ray FitzgeraldClass of ’76

For fur thermemories ofFr. Raymond

Fitzgerald, S.J.,thr ough his years at

Jesuit, view thephoto galleries at

www.jesuitnola.org

What can you do to helpin the fight against ALS?

Page 4In MemoriamIn MemoriamVolume 89, No. 2

On Jan. 15, 2014, a specialmorning assembly was held in theTraditions Courtyard. There, Fr.Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J.,announced to the student bodythat he had been diagnosed withALS, known as Lou Gehrig’s dis-ease. He was frank about theprognosis and expected coursethe illness would take. With graceand his customary sense ofhumor, however, he also revealedthe courage and faith that hewould display throughout theremainder of his life.

That deep trust in the love ofGod, which he expressed in thewords we reprint here, continueto inspire us all.

******Good morning, gentlemen.

Yesterday I spoke with the facul-ty and staff and emailed your par-ents about my medical diagnosisof ALS.

This morning I would like tospeak directly to you.

The disease has both a short-term and a long-term reality.Looking at the long-term, let’sget the bad news out of the wayfirst.

With no cure, ALS proceedsto greater loss of muscle func-tions. The good news is that cog-nitive functions remain.Moreover, the process takes itstime, and the disease can movealong in a gradual, not to say,stately pace.

I am currently doing what Ican to slow it down via medica-tion and physical therapy.

That said, I would like tofocus this morning on the short-term. My plan is to continue aspresident for the remainder ofthis school year and to remain atJesuit beyond that as long as fea-sible.

I am certainly quite open,should anyone wish to, to talkingabout my condition. However, Ido not consider ALS and itseffects to be the sole, or even pri-mary, topic of conversation wecan have. There are a variety ofother interesting and instructiveitems that we can chat about:New Orleans’ restaurants, thecare and feeding of zombies, andGreek verbs, to name but three.

At present, I am blessed tobe able to do my duty today. For,each day, God gives to each of usboth the opportunity to serve Himand the means of so doing. Andtherefore, my good brothers, thismorning I desire to offer some-

thing to you and to ask somethingfrom you.

To you, I wish to offer mypersonal witness to two itemsfrom the spiritual arsenal of St.Ignatius: Principle andFoundation and the Suscipeprayer – the prayer “Take, Lord,receive.”

The purpose of our beinghere is to praise, reverence, andserve God our Lord. God gives usthe means of doing this each day.Good or ill health doesn’t enterinto it. With the witness of mylife, I wish to assure that this istrue. It is true because of the clos-ing line of Ignatius’prayer, “Takeand receive.” The prayer con-cludes with the line “give meonly Your love and Your grace;that is enough.” It is true that Godnever fails to give us His love andHis grace.

From you, I wish to ask threethings.

The first is your help. Youhave the strength and energy thatI will increasingly lack. Second,your prayers—something that wecan always do for one another.The third is quite simply yourbeing yourselves—yourselvesboth as you are and as God is

forming you to be.Harbor no doubts about how

good you are and can be. Harborno doubts about what a source ofencouragement, joy, and consola-tion you are to me. God has givenme, in my life, many blessings.Among the greatest of these issharing these years with you.

Now, certainly, you can be enter-taining, enlivening, and engag-ing; but beyond that, I have cometo realize that I am privileged tobe here at Jesuit at a time when Ican stand in the hallway and findmyself in the presence of saints.For, saints do walk among us ingreater numbers than one might

suspect. Sainthood is truly howgood you are capable of becom-ing.

And so, the longer termfuture will be what it is. This day,each one of us has a task inbecoming the person God calls usto be today. Let us now be aboutthis task.

In his own words

Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J., addresses a morning assembly on Jan. 15, 2014, in which he announced his diagnosis of ALS, and hisplans to step down as president of Jesuit High School.

Following the address, in which Fr. Fitzgerald spoke with candor, grace and good humor, many ofthe deeply moved students greeted him, offering appreciative support and prayers.

classmate.Fr. Fitzgerald seemed to gravitate

towards all of these students and sought tohelp them in the transition from their pre-vious schools.

As a teacher who believed in theimportance of understanding his students,he took the time to learn the names of eachBlue Jay – a task that he accomplishedremarkably fast – and get to know each

personally. For many of those luckyenough to have met him, Fr. Fitzgeraldoften was the first person at Jesuit withwhich they established a relationship.

“Fr. Fitz,” as he was affectionatelyknown, served as a figure for students tolook up to, exemplifying wisdom, faith,love, and selflessness.

Using his characteristic dry sense ofhumor, he prepared students for the chal-lenges of the real world by sharing hisadvice on everything from their faith livesto preparations for the zombie apocalypse.

Most importantly though, he exempli-fied every value he taught, even while in

the midst of his battle with ALS.The most striking aspects of his per-

sonality were his love and devotion toGod.

One of the most apparent indicators ofthe humble and gracious type of man thathe had been was his response to simplequestion, “How are you?”

In his sincere appreciation for the giftof life, he would, despite his affliction, stillrespond with “better than I deserve.”

While Fr. Fitzgerald was still in resi-dence at Jesuit, his colleague and caretak-er, Fr. John Brown, S.J., said he only sawhim cry once over the course of his battle.

The tears, however, were not drivenby pain or self-pity.

Through his sense of hope and faith,he was overwhelmed by the thought of thevast pleasure of God’s love that awaitedhim in heaven after death.

While we mourn his passing, all wholoved him and were inspired by his life canfind some solace and comfort in knowingthat Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald is now free toenjoy the sheer happiness from an eternitywith God that he had once only envi-sioned.

May he rest in peace.

‘Fr . Fitz’ always sought to understand his Blue JaysEditorial

Continued from Page 1