Appeared in The Catholic Virginian January 24, 2000

  Father Arthur Dennis Conrad
Ordained May 7, 1977
Died January 5, 2000

On Monday, January 10, Bishop Sullivan presided at the funeral liturgy for Fr. Art Conrad in the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. As his "Tidings" reflections, Bishop Sullivan shares the homily that he presented at the liturgy.

On May 7, 1977 – Arthur Dennis Conrad lay prostrate on the floor of the Cathedral, as the Litany of the Saints was sung, just before his ordination to the priesthood. Now, 22 years later, he lies in state over the very same floor upon which he pledged to serve Christ in the priestly ministry.

Throughout these 22 years, Art was a faithful, dedicated priest – not only did he reach out to others in the name of Christ, but he found Christ in the other – whomever that person might be, whatever that person’s social status – race or ethnicity. His ministry was always of humble service – always coming to others as priest, but never superior. That is why so many people of different walks of life identified with him – and that is why so many gather in this Cathedral to bid him farewell, to celebrate his life and to lift him up to the loving embrace of the God whom he knew, loved and served.

For the past 12 years, Fr. Art has served as pastor at Holy Rosary Parish on Church Hill. How he loved ministry among the people of Holy Rosary! And you at Holy Rosary knew how much he truly loved you. His past pastoral experiences made him a truly effective pastor or shepherd. His prior assignments took him to various parts of our diocese – at Saint Bridget Parish here in Richmond, Saint Nicholas in Virginia Beach, Saint Joseph in Clifton Forge. Everywhere he was admired and respected. He was always the priest but always the friend and partner. His ministry was one of inclusiveness – he led people to Christ by his kindness and dedication.

I had the pleasure of his company in the car – for a couple of years he served as my Master of Ceremonies and we became close friends throughout these 22 years.

Art Conrad was one who lived the beatitudes as we heard in Matthew’s gospel. He was at home with the least of our brothers and sisters – whether it was on visits to the city jail or contact with persons with AIDS. He was a frequent visitor to the sick, whether at MCV or Richmond Community Hospital. He was active in ecumenical outreach or interfaith sharing. He was well known and respected by the members of the East End Ministerial Association and the folks at Richmond Hill. I remember vividly the pride he shared with others at the dedication of the first interfaith housing project.

Art Conrad was a man of the community. Just a couple of months ago, he received the humanitarian award given by the National Conference for Community and Justice. I was present when he received the award and he spoke eloquently and humbly. He accepted the award only in the name of others that accompanied him in walking with and for the poor – with and for the neglected. In his wide and varied ministry, Art proclaimed the beatitudes by living the beatitudes and in so doing experienced Christ in everyone he met.

All of us have been deeply touched by Fr. Art in one way or another. We gather here to say thanks for having known him – and for having become more Christ-like because of him.

Fr. Art died on January 5 – during the Epiphany season – the feast of the manifestation of Christ to the world. This Christ was the light sent by God to break the darkness of oppression, prejudice and injustice. It is for us as followers of Jesus to be that light so that the glory of God will shine forth. Each of us, through our common baptism, has been anointed and sent forth. Each of us is to bring liberty and freedom to those who are imprisoned one way or another. Each of us is to be an agent of hope to those weighed down by despair – or who have grown cynical because of indifference.

Arthur Dennis Conrad was one of those special persons who has made a difference to whomever he encountered. Because of him, none of us is the same. I know of his support for priests who, in turn, chose him to be chairman of the Priests Council. He always was generous with his time to the Daughters of Charity, the Camboni Sisters, the parishioners at Saint Patrick’s, and the children of Saint Patrick’s School. And to the various components of the of the Richmond community – he was a co-worker, a partner and a friend to those in need. Art was truly that "ambassador for Christ" – he helped people look beyond their differences to discover their common dignity – he enabled people to come together and work together for the good of all. But most of all, he was a loving shepherd to
the people of Holy Rosary – who heard every Sunday the good news of the gospel because he was first and foremost good news to them.

As we offer we this Mass of Resurrection, we believe that our good works go before us as a testament that God is with us in all we do and it is God’s glory that we are about. Art – as your bishop – I thank you. As the friend you are to all of us – we commend you to the divine embrace.

Requiescat in pace.