REV. FR. DONALD B. COZZENS

I will not soon forget the many contributions of Don Cozzens. A great conversationalist, a provocative thinker, and one whose many writings served to challenge both laity & clergy to embrace the new Church, He will remain in my prayers & thoughts as a good classmate & a harbinger of fresh air in the Church. Rest in peace, Don........Mike O'Boyle

I had Fr. Cozzens as a professor for 2 classes at Ursuline College. Amazing teacher and wonderful human being.

Fr Don was my high school chaplin and family friend to my sweetheart. He married us and baptized our 3 children. When Frank had cancer, Don was a constant support. When he died Don was there for our family. As stretched thin as he was from his many obligations, he maintained his connection to St Viincent-St Mary class of 77 friends. On the tennis court, playing basketball in driveway or later, meeting up at Gamekeepers for dinner, his lessons and example will be with us always. Godspeed Fr...

When Don sat in my theology classes at St. Mary Seminary, he sat always in silence. So too did St Thomas Aquinas as a student. But Thomas´ teacher predicted: "He´ll let out a roar to be heard around the world". You too, Fr. Don, have voiced such a roar. Well done, good and faithful servant. Thanks - and please God, your roar will soon be dealt with for the good of our beloved church !

Fr. Don was a gift from God to the American Catholic Church. Bold, direct, forward-thinking, academic, he was a source of challenge and support to our Faith. He will be deeply missed.

I met Don when he was studying in Rome and my brother and I stopped by to visit our parish priest who was also there. I will never forget the dinner we had--12 priests, my brother and me! We kept in touch for years through letters and an occasional visit--he was a great "pen pal". He was supposed to preside at my wedding but he was famous by then and had a speaking engagement. Such a wise and thoughtful man--the Church lost a great light.

More conversations ... later - for now, peace.

It has been an honor and a privilege to be able to call you a dear friend for so many years. In admiration & gratitude. Mary Ann Pecek (Lou would have written something more impressive or profound or clever or intellectual. Perhaps he will tell you himself.)

The Association of US Catholic Priests is proud to claim Fr. Don Cozzens as a member. He attended the annual AUSCP Assemblies whenever he was able and conducted small group discussions on various topics relating to priesthood. His prophetic insights gave courage and inspiration to his fellow priests.