Rev. John R. Becker Jr.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of both Fr. Becker and Fr. Growney. It was those two along with Fr. Sauer who enlightened me to the joys of language and history. For Fr. Becker, with his ability to encourage my writing skills, I will always be grateful. To all three, I say thank you. May the souls of Fr. Becker and Fr. Growney rest in peace always.

I just found out that Fr. died. Despite the fact that I haven't heard from him as regularly we still kept in touch. To say that I will miss him would be a huge understatement. Fr. Becker was probably the most loyal and best friend I ever had or will have in this life. I am a Little Sister of the Poor and got to know Fr. before I joined the Congregation. In the last 23 years he has always been a support - like above and beyond the call of duty...always redirecting me to the Lord and His...

John Becker, S.J., or, as he signed his letters, Jay Argh Bee, Ess Jay, was a great teacher and a great priest.

He was always tough, always expected the best of me, and he did it in such a way that I didn't ever want to let him down. John Becker was a nearly perfect priest. Lots of guys keep the vows of chastity and obedience, but many have trouble with the poverty thing. They like nice clothes, etc. Fr. Becker lived all three vows to the fullest. He would always ride a bike...

Fr. Becker was one of the most influential people in my life throughout high school, and I will always remember how he affected my life in and out of class and on the two Kairos retreats I was honored to go on with him.
Danny Lamas BCP '05

I will always remember the light and grace that surrounded him as he walked through the Brophy Mall. He constantly had a slight smile as though he could see something great and beautiful in the world every day. I have no doubt he did. A kind and blessed man, you are missed.

Joey B. BCP '05

While I never experienced Fr. Becker in the classroom, he still taught me quite a bit on a 1971 summer trip to Europe. He taught me patience and understanding (there were 16 graduated seniors on that trip,) art appreciation (he could tell you more about Rembrandt's "Night Watch" than any Dutch docent,) and the power of faith ("Hotel reservations???")

Now, as a high school English teacher, I still stand in awe of the amount of time and effort he put into his profession. (I would never...

While I never experienced Fr. Becker in the classroom, he still taught me quite a bit on a 1971 summer trip to Europe. He taught me patience and understanding (there were 16 gratuated seniors on that trip,) art appreciation (he could tell you more about Rembrandt's "Night Watch" than any Dutch docent,) and the power of faith ("Hotel reservations???")

Now, as a high school English teacher, I still stand in awe of the amount of time and effort he put into his profession. (I would never...

A and W candy root beer barrels, an inflatable yellow bananna, and the ability to make me think that somebody was interested in my opinion, especially if I could defend it. He was my best teacher. The world is a better place because he was in it. I hope I can live up to his example. Bene Father.

I was blessed to be in Fr. Becker's religious studies class, where he took the Socratic method to places even Socrates never went. He moderated Inside SI when I served as publisher and taught us all to be cognizant of the power of the press. He drove me and nine other classmates around Europe for six weeks where I learned more than I had the previous four years. And he instilled in me a perverse love of puns and a desire to inflict this punishment on my own students. God bless you and thank...