Fr. Rudy Casals, SJ,
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Fr. Rudy Casals, SJ, IVC national board member, passed away suddenly at the age of 47. Fr. Rudy served as an IVC board member for three years and was passionate about the future of IVC. His leadership focused on the Society of Jesus working closely with lay colleagues to live out the vision of the Universal Apostolic Preferences.
Fr. Rudy was raised in Tarrytown, NY. He attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1997. It was during his Naval service, while stationed in Japan, that he first encountered the Society of Jesus. He served in active duty until 2006, when he joined the Jesuits. His work with the Society included serving as a deacon at San Quentin State Prison and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
During an interview in 2017, Fr. Rudy stated, “I want to be a joyful priest, one who communicates God’s joy, God’s mercy.” There is no doubt that he accomplished this goal.
Fr. Rudy was a special person, priest, and friend to IVC, a true servant of God. May his soul soar fast to the delight of God’s heavenly heart. He surely is being greeted in Heaven with much love and joy.
IVC Board of Directors, June 24, 2022, Fr. Rudy, second from left
We come together to mourn – and celebrate – a life, while much too short here on the earthly plane, that was one of love and service to his brothers and sisters in reflection of his deep love for Christ.
Please keep him, his family, and his brothers in the Society in your prayers
IVC Board of Directors