Malacañang mourns death of Fr. Reuter

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Monday expressed sorrow on the death of Fr. James Reuter.

“We join the Society of Jesus in the Philippines, the generations of alumni of the Ateneo de Manila University, and men and women of media, arts, and letters, who mourn the loss of this man of faith, good cheer, and eloquence,” Malacanang said in a statement.

Fr. Reuter, who died Monday at age 96, received various awards and was known for using the mass media to spread the teachings of the Catholic Church.

“His love of the Philippines and Filipinos was legendary; so much so it earned him a stature and affection beyond the measure of the many awards, both national and sectoral, that he received throughout his long life,” the Palace said.

“His impact was most deeply felt in the sphere of communication, whether in the promotion of the Family Rosary Crusade or the formation of JESCOM in the Philippines. Along the way he was friend, mentor, confessor, adviser to generations of Filipinos, both in public and private life, and in the media, arts, and journalism,” Malacanang added.

Reuter died at the Our Lady of Peace hospital in Paranaque City, where he had been staying in the last three years due to frail health.

Maamo said Reuter’s remains will be brought to the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City.