Avery Dulles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Avery Robert Dulles SJ |
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|---|---|
| Cardinal-Deacon of SS. Nomi di Gesù e Maria | |
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| Appointed | February 21, 2001 |
| Reign ended | December 12, 2008 |
| Predecessor | Justinus Darmojuwono |
| Successor | Domenico Bartolucci |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | June 16, 1956 |
| Created Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Rank | Cardinal-deacon |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 24, 1918 Auburn, New York, US |
| Died | December 12, 2008 (aged 90) New York City, US |
| Buried | Jesuit Cemetery, Auriesville, New York, US |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Parents | John Foster Dulles & Janet Avery Dulles |
| Occupation | Professor and theologian and author |
| Motto | Scio Cui Credidi (I know whom I have believed - 2 Tim. 1:12) |
| Coat of arms |  |
Avery Robert Dulles SJ (August 24, 1918 – December 12, 2008) was an American Jesuit priest. He was also a very important leader in the Catholic Church, known as a cardinal.
Dulles taught at Woodstock College from 1960 to 1974. He also taught at the Catholic University of America from 1974 to 1988. Later, he was a special professor at Fordham University from 1988 until 2008. He was also a well-known author and speaker around the world.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Avery Dulles was born in Auburn, New York, on August 24, 1918. His father was John Foster Dulles, who later became the US Secretary of State. This is a very important job in the US government. The Washington Dulles International Airport is named after his father.
His uncle, Allen Dulles, was also famous. He was the Director of Central Intelligence. Avery's great-grandfather and great-uncle also served as Secretary of State.
Avery went to primary school in New York City. He also attended schools in Switzerland and the Choate School in Connecticut. In 1936, he started studying at Harvard College.
His Journey to Catholicism
Avery was raised in the Presbyterian faith. But by the time he was at Harvard, he had become an agnostic. This means he wasn't sure if God existed.
One rainy day, he saw a tree starting to flower by the Charles River. This moment deeply touched him. After that, he never again doubted "the existence of an all-good and omnipotent God."
He felt more and more drawn to the Catholicism. He said, "The more I examined, the more I was impressed with the consistency and sublimity of Catholic doctrine." He became a Catholic in the fall of 1940.
After graduating from Harvard in 1940, Dulles studied at Harvard Law School. He also served in the United States Navy during World War II. He reached the rank of Lieutenant. For his work with the French Navy, he received a French award called the Croix de Guerre.
Becoming a Jesuit and Cardinal
After leaving the Navy in 1946, Avery Dulles joined the Society of Jesus. This group is also known as the Jesuits. He became a priest in 1956.
He continued his studies in Rome and earned a special doctorate in theology in 1960. He then taught at several universities. These included Woodstock College and the Catholic University of America. He also taught as a visiting professor at many other famous universities around the world.
Dulles wrote over 700 articles and 22 books about religious topics. He was a leader in important discussions between different Christian groups.
Elevation to Cardinal
Jesuits usually promise not to seek high positions in the Church. However, Avery Dulles was made a cardinal on February 21, 2001. This was done by Pope John Paul II.
He was not made a bishop, which is usually required for cardinals. The Pope made a special exception for him. Because he was over 80 years old when he became a cardinal, he could not vote in a conclave. A conclave is when cardinals choose a new Pope.
Honors and Awards
Avery Dulles received many awards during his life. These included:
- The Croix de Guerre from France.
- The Cardinal Spellman Award for great work in theology.
- The Campion Award from America magazine.
- The James Cardinal Gibbons Award from The Catholic University of America.
- Thirty-three honorary doctorate degrees.
Later Life and Death
In his later years, Cardinal Dulles faced health challenges. He suffered from the effects of polio, a disease he had as a young person.
On April 1, 2008, he gave his farewell speech as a professor at Fordham University. He was unable to speak himself, so the university president read his speech for him. Even though he couldn't speak or use his arms well, his mind remained clear. He continued to work and communicate using his computer.
On April 19, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI visited the ailing Cardinal Dulles during his trip to the United States. Dulles had prepared his written words for the Pope before the visit.
Avery Dulles died at the age of 90 on December 12, 2008. He passed away at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. He was buried in the Jesuit cemetery in Auriesville, New York.
Works
Avery Dulles wrote 25 books and hundreds of articles and essays. His writings covered many important religious topics.
Some of His Books
- A Testimonial To Grace (1952)
- Revelation and the Quest for Unity (1968)
- Models of the Church (1974)
- Models of Revelation (1983)
- The Catholicity of the Church (1985)
- The Craft of Theology: From Symbol to System (1992)
- The Assurance of Things Hoped For: A Theology of Christian Faith (1994)
- The Splendor of Faith: The Theological Vision of Pope John Paul II (1999)
- A History of Apologetics (2005)
See also
In Spanish: Avery Dulles para niños
