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Pierre Conway Obituary
Dominican Priest
Age 90, died peacefully at the Dominican House of Studies, Washington, DC on Monday, January 23, 2006, surrounded by friars singing the Salve Regina. He is survived by a brother, John Conway, of Dallas, several cousins, and countless friends.
Philosopher, Thomist, scholar, preacher, author, teacher, mentor, confessor, friend of the poor, and priest of the Dominican Order since 1941, he was the Spiritual Director of the Immaculate Conception Chapter of the Third Order of Preachers for more than 15 years.
For many years he was the "Doorkeeper" at the Dominican House, assisting the spiritual and temporal needs of the poor and needy.
Fr. Conway was a model of the Dominican priest: faithful in prayer, devoted in service, and firmly committed to God's truth. He continued to write and to counsel those in need of God's mercy until the last moments of his life.
Some of his books include Faith Views The Universe; Aristotelian Formal and Material Logic; Metaphysics of Aquinas; Metaphysics I: Introduction to Philosophy; The Liberal Arts in Thomas Aquinas; Principles of Education: A Thomistic Approach; Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric; Exposition of the Posterior Analytics of Aristotle; and The "Barber" Paradox.
As he chose to donate his body to science, there will be no formal wake or funeral Mass. However friends are welcome to attend a Memorial Mass for Fr. Conway on Wednesday, February 1, at 2 p.m. at the Dominican House, 487 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, DC 20017. Donations to the poor or memorial donations in his name to Dominican House of Studies to support the formation of future Dominican priests would be the best way to honor his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Pierre Conway
Hugh Turley
May 6, 2024
I was knocking on the doors of religious houses near Catholic University asking, "Is anyone here interested in the truth? I was turned away by everyone until I arrived at the Dominican House of Studies. Betty Flaherty, the receptionist, let me in and said, "You want to talk to Fr. Pierre." After a few minutes I was amazed and I thought that perhaps I had discovered a whole community of monks just like him. I asked, "what do the other monks think of what you are telling me?" Pierre laughed aloud and said, "Nobody pays any attention to me." I knew at that moment we would be good friends. We had three years together before his death. He guided me in studying the "Summa Contra Gentiles." He would tell me, "We can answer any question."
One day I proudly told him that I had purchased several books that he had written. He said, "Oh, don't read those books, they have errors. I have learned a lot more since then." He condensed his 40-page "Square Universe of Science" into a few pages to state, "One is the Theory of Everything." I would study him when we visited. His rosary was mended with paperclips and staples. The cuffs of his habit were threadbare. I offered to buy him a new habit and rosary. He told me to give the money to the poor. Pierre taught me to give generously to the poor. He invited beggars into the refrectory and made them sandwiches. Sadly, after Pierre died the Dominican friars turn the beggars away. Fr. Pierre advised me to acquire the habit of daily Mass to receive the Living Bread. I had been away from my Catholic Church for 20 years and Fr. Pierre brought me back in. I have never stopped going to Mass every day. Thank you Fr. Pierre. Pierre knew that he was at the end of his life and often told me that he had to persevere to the end. May we all persevere to our ultimate end with God. I hung around the Dominican community worshipping with the friars. I was hoping to find another holy man like Pierre, but like my friend, nobody paid any attention to me.
Hugh Turley
MARK MACAULEY
May 17, 2023
I believe I met my great uncle just once, with my grandmother, Margaret Macauley (nee Conway). I would love to see a photo of him. MARK Macauley
James A. Drake
May 8, 2023
In addition to his numerous books and articles on the Summae and commentaries of St. Thomas Aquinas, Fr. Conway was a proverbial "walking authority" on the fine and performing arts. During one of his summer stays at St. Mary of the Springs in Columbus, Ohio, I visited him and took with me an audiocassette player with a tape of original recordings by the legendary Enrico Caruso. I was especially interested in how well the great Italian tenor sang in French, which Fr. Conway spoke fluently. As we were listening to Caruso´s 1911 recording of "Ah! Fuyez douce image" from Massenet´s "Manon," Fr. Pierre mouthed the words Caruso was singing and said afterward, "His French is commendable. It´s what you´d hear spoken in border regions." Then he added, "I believe the speed of the tape is a bit slow because the high note in the score is a B-flat, but the tone he sings here is between an A-natural and B-flat." When I asked him how he knew the aria, he replied that he listened to French, Italian, and German operas and operettas as often as he could. And when I asked how he could tell that the high note was between two tones, he hesitated before admitting that he had perfect pitch. What a great mind, prolific author, inspiring lecturer, and modest man he was!
Robert E, Hoye, Ph.D.
February 16, 2006
I was honored to have Father Pierre Conway as my professor while attending Providence College in the early 1950's. He taught me the importance and meaning of "truth" through his interpretation of the Summa. He was truly an intellectual who was much admired by his serious students. I have had the great opportunity to correspond with him over the past few years. Until the very end of his life, he continued to teach and inspire me. A respected priest, scholar and friend will be missed.
Grace Hajdu
February 9, 2006
I will always be grateful for the great introduction to Logic and Cosmology that Fr. Conway gave to me as a new college freshman. My sons want to read the texts that I saved from 37 yrs. ago. I wish that they could have met Father this side of heaven. What joy for me to remember his loving kindness and brillance.
3rd Order, Our Lady of Hope Chapter Region 2, #206
February 6, 2006
The Chapter offers our prayerful thoughts for a beautiful soul, who touched the lives of many and we thank God for the experience. May he rest in eternal peace.
Linda DiMuzio
February 5, 2006
Fr. Pierre Conway is my cousin. He is the only family I have in the DC area. He was not only my family, but my Spritual Director and friend as well. He married my parents almost 59 years ago. I remember as a little girl, Pierre (as we lovingly called him)used to come to our home in Canfield Ohio on his motercycle to visit us. When my only sister Karen died he came to our new home in Aurora to celebrate the Mass of the Angels. He has been there for me my whole life. The Friday before he died, I took my 16 year old daughter Victoria with me to say our good bye. I have never known anyone so happy as he was knowing that his time had finally come to be with his Lord. His face was glowing like a child that was anticipating Christmas morning!Needless to say, it changed Victoria's life forever.He also Baptized Victoria as a newborn, it was only fitting that she should be with him in his last days.
I shall miss you my dearest Pierre.
Veronica and Dolores Frazier
February 1, 2006
Fr. Pierre personified the definition of friend as another self. We daresay it would be difficult to imagine anyone leaving Fr. Pierre's presence, or wrapping up a phone conversation with him, without having a fresh and invigorating awareness of one's great dignity in the eyes of the loving Lord, along with the subsequent recognition that such is due to all. That is your legacy to those who loved you. Thanks, Fr. Pierre. Rest in peace.
joellyn soler
February 1, 2006
Father Conway has been so many teachers to me. A good father,a spiritual director,a friend, but most of all a hero, for he was fearless in his statements to fight for the most vulnerable, the unborn. Give us your fearless spirit, dear Father Pierre Conway, and may you rest in peace. Love-joellyn soler
Mary & Ned Bridges
January 31, 2006
A long time friend and spiritual mentor.
Fr. Pierre Conway at the March For Life in Washington, DC with the Banner of the St. John DeMatha Council Kniights of Columbus and the sign of the Catholic Association of Scientists and Engineers
Francis Kelly
January 31, 2006
Fr. Conway was a great inspiration to the Catholic Association of Scientists and Engineers even carrying our sign at the March For Life.
Francis Kelly
January 31, 2006
Fr. Pierre was a great member and inspiration to the Catholic Association of Scientists and Engineers. His guidance, interest and encouragement helped us all. We will miss him and pray for and to him.
Julian Heron, T.O.P.
January 31, 2006
Fr. Conway, O.P. was a great priest who helped start the St. Catherine of Siena Third Order Chapter in Great Falls, Virginia. He was a blessing to the Chapter and to me. He was a wonderful confessor and advisor. He was always kind and gentle which was reflected in his warm smile. He will remain in our Chapter's prayers.
Mary Janetatos
January 31, 2006
In God's providence I had the blessing of Fr Pierre Conway's friendship & spiritual guidance at a critical time. He was my'cheerleader'and he showed to me Christ's love. I'm sure he'll be with me spiritually for the rest of my days 'til we merrily meet in heaven'(St Thomas More).
Moneta TOP
January 31, 2006
Fr Pierre gave everything he had to everyone he met. God loves Fr Pierre, and Fr Pierre loves us, and he taught us to love God by loving one another. He taught this Truth, and we learned this Way because he lived the Life. Blessed be God in His angels, His saints and Fr Pierre Hyacinth Conway O.P.!
"John 13: [34] A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. [35] By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Marion Connell, T.O.P.
January 30, 2006
To have had the privilege of Father Pierre's friendship I count as one of life's greatest riches. His memory and example will live in our hearts, I hope, for many years to come.
Mac McPhillips
January 30, 2006
Fr. Pierre was a timely encourager to me in time of spiritual doubt. I would not have professed my Third Order perpetual vows without his guidance to me. I will be grateful into eternity to him for that.
David Brecount, TOP
January 30, 2006
On behalf of the Bishop Fenwick Pro-Chapter in Cincinnati, OH and St. Gertrude Parish, we would like to express our deep gratitude for the life of Fr. Pierre Conway, OP and his service to the Order and his fellow man.
Christine Tansey
January 28, 2006
It was obvious to everyone the moment they met Fr. Pierre; we were in the presence of a giant.
Gloria Dodd
January 28, 2006
Father Pierre Conway was my spiritual director for almost 20 years. He was holy and wise. After his many years of faithful service to the Church, I pray that he may now enjoy his reward in heaven.
Lawrence Dewan, O.P.
January 28, 2006
Jan. 28, 2006
The Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas
Pierre worked devotedly in the company of St. Thomas all his life. May we all enjoy the company of the Lord together!
Mary Meade
January 27, 2006
A gentle man of great spiritual faith who used his gifts for God. I am blessed to have known Father even for a short time.
Mary Meade
Marie-Caroline Russell
January 26, 2006
Being French, Father Pierre Conway has been a great help for me in my spiritual life, as he spoke a very good French! I really appreciate his kindness, fidelity and love for our Lord. He was a sweet person!
Joan Burke
January 26, 2006
I will miss his sweet smile, great kindness and understanding - and his courage that gave others strength to persevere.
Mary Ball
January 26, 2006
Father said life is really simple. Understand God's great love for us, love Him in return and then love everyone else as God loves us.
He loved with God's love. I am blessed to have received that love.
GODWIN AKPAN
January 26, 2006
MAY GOD INSPIRE MORE PEOPLE TO STAND FOR THE TRUTH WHICH YOU PREACHED AND KNOW JESUS CHRIST, THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE.
Therese Errigo
January 26, 2006
By studying the Truth we come to understand the Truth of Truths: Deus est Caritas.
May Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him for ever and ever
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