We announce the death of Father Hugh Thwaites SJ earlier today. Please pray for the repose of his soul.
He converted to the Catholic faith as a result of his experience as a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II. He never bore resentment for his treatment, reasoning that the Japanese guards did not have the benefit of the Christian faith. His approach to evangelisation was direct and simple because he understood the truth and beauty of the Christian faith and wished others to benefit from it.
Father Thwaites always spoke in a kindly and gentle manner while firing off spiritual advice that could blow you off your feet; he was a priest who made many converts almost instantly by his sincerity and holiness, and converted countless lukewarm Catholics to a deeper following of Christ. He was passionately devoted to the Rosary, loved the older form of the Mass, and remained faithful to the traditional Jesuit daily spiritual exercises. (Notes courtesy of Fr Tim Finigan)
Father Thwaites, always otherwordly, was a true friend of many members of the Order of Malta. He will be much missed.
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for him.
Saint Ignatius, pray for him.
Requiescat in pace.