Memorial Mass Reflection

Memorial Mass for James N. Loughran, S.J.
January 17, 2007
Reflection of Deirdre T. Power, Class of 2009

Fr. Loughran always had a way with words. I was blessed enough to share many conversations with the whimsical, stoic man, catching glimpses into his limitless wisdom. His anecdotes could always brighten my day.

The very last time we spoke was the Friday before vacation. I had just completed a rather arduous philosophy exam, and needless to say, I was exhausted. Fr. Loughran had probably just left his office on his way home, but stopped a moment, as he always would, to chat. Explaining my exhaustion, he decided it would be fitting to share a sliver of his past to lift my spirits.

In his first year at Fordham as a freshman dean, he had to single handedly run freshman orientation. After an entire day on his feet without food, drink or otherwise, he collapsed into a chair just for a second. Of course at that exact moment his boss saw him and rebuking him, asked what the problem was. But despite his explanation, his boss ordered him back to work immediately.

When he finished the story so abruptly, I was a bit puzzled. How was that intended to make me feel better? Clearly seeing the confusion in my face, he said “I suppose, Deirdre, what I’m trying to say is, you’ve got to keep moving while you still have the chance.”

It seemed all too simple in the moment, but he did always have impeccable timing. It would inevitably make profound sense. We said our goodbyes that day, each wearing a grin from a seemingly simple story.

When I heard of his passing, I looked back on our last conversation and knew that he lived the life he wanted. He just kept moving, doing everything he could for the school he loved, as long as he could.

The sharp wit, the indelible spirit, the truth in his eyes conveyed that message to each member of the school he loved. In honor of his life, we are called to keep moving while we have the chance, to keep working, to keep loving, to keep caring for what is most significant in this life. Rest in Peace Fr. Loughran. You are loved and missed.