John Wright, DMin, whom many lovingly called “Mr. Intercerssions” for all his scholarly research and pastoral insight on the topic, passed away suddenly because of a massive heart attack on July 1st while attending a family reunion in Iowa. He was longtime director of marketing at World Library Publications. He was a gentle presence as an exhibitor at many liturgical conferences in the U.S., and he willingly shared his knowledge in a gentle and down-to-earth way. He and his wife, Mickey, could not dote enough over their new grandchildren.
May he rest in peace.
Very, very sad. A lovely gentle man, and a true pioneer for the reforms of Vatican II. We will all miss him so much.
I loved John.. so many memories… I learned specifically from him amidst the many conversations we had over the years, some important insights about the General Intercessions, which was a particular area of interest, and that I believe was the focus of his DMin program at Catholic Theological Union years ago. Good guy, very pastoral, funny, gentle, and yes, as Paul said – truly an advocate for the liturgical reform. May God hold him in sweet embrace.
I am grateful to God for knowing John, who in his days at Liturgy Training Publications welcomed my wife and me and gave us an example of the midwestern style civility fostered among Catholics by Card. Bernardin. He respected my views and creative energy, encouraging me to share them with others. The best tribute we can pay to his memory is to carry on that openness of mind and heart he showed us.
Ed Foley, Capuchin, gave the homily at John’s funeral at Ascension Parish in Oak Park, IL. Here is the text in full:
http://liturgicalleaders.blogspot.com/2010/07/john-d-wright.html