FR BERARD MARTHALER

MARTHALER FRIAR BERARD MARTHALER, OFM CONV. Friar Berard Marthaler, OFM Conv. died November 30, 2014 in Lanham, Maryland. Born Lawrence Marthaler in Chicago Heights, IL, on May 1, 1927, to Joseph and Frances (Cull) Marthaler, Fr. Berard professed Simple Vows as a Conventual Franciscan on July 14, 1946, and Solemn Vows on October 4, 1949, in Assisi, Italy. He was ordained a priest on March 29, 1953 in Rome, Italy. Fr. Berard is survived by his brother Edward J. Marthaler (Phoenix, AZ), his sister Carol (Marthaler) Klos (Lebanon, IL), and 15 nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Raymond C. Marthaler. A celebrated scholar and teacher, Fr. Berard earned his S.T.D. from the Seraphicum in Rome, Italy, and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. He taught at Assumption Seminary in Chaska, MN, from 1953 to 1961, Bellarmine College in Louisville, KY, from 1961 to 1963, and Catholic University in Washington, DC, from 1963 until his retirement. Among other distinctions, he was Warren-Blanding Professor of Religion at Catholic University from 1990-1997, Chairman of the Department of Religion and Religious Education from 1967-1983. He was also a catechetical consultant to the Sacred Congregation for the Clergy. Among his publications are The Creed: The Apostolic Faith in Contemporary Theology and several books on catechesis. He was executive editor of the New Catholic Encyclopedia (2002) and, from 1972-2004, The Living Light, the USCC's catechetical review. Visitation will take place at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD on Friday, December 5 from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1029 Monroe St., NE, Washington, DC on Saturday, December 6 at 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the Chapel at Mount St. Francis, IN on Tuesday, December 9 at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., followed by remembrances at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Friars' cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the Conventual Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Consolation, Development Office, 103 St. Francis Blvd. Mount St. Francis, IN 47146. For more information about Fr. Berard's life, or to make a gift online, please visit the Province website, franciscansusa.org www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.comwww.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com