It is with great sadness that we convey the passing of Father Berard Marthaler, OFM Conv., emeritus professor of the Catholic University of America. Fr Marthaler was born in 1927, ordained in Rome in 1953 and earned his Doctorate in Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) from the Seraphicum with a dissertation on Original Justice and Sanctifying Grace in the Writings of St. Bonaventure . He also earned a doctorate in Ancient History from the University of Minnesota.

After teaching at Bellarmine College in Louisville, KY, he came to Catholic University of America in 1963 as an Assistant Professor of Religion and Religious Education. He became the Warren-Blanding Professor of Religion and Chairman of the Department of Religious Education at CUA. After Vatican II, Fr Marthaler was instrumental in presenting the General Catechetical Directory , a document produced by the Congregation for the Clergy, to the United States. In addition, he also edited the New Catholic Encyclopedia and The Living Light , the USCC's catechetical review.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on December 6 at the Church of St Anthony of Padua, Washington DC, followed by a Mass on December 9 in the Chapel at Mount St. Francis, Indiana. A memorial mass will be held at CUA on January 21, 2015, with details to be announced.

Obituary: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=BERARD-MARTHALER&pid=173361638

His Order's tribute: http://franciscansusa.org/friar-berard-marthaler-ofm-conv

Catholic Educator's profile: http://www.talbot.edu/ce20/educators/catholic/berard_marthaler/