Review for Religious mourns the sudden loss of editorial board member and guest editor of our first special issue, Fr. Joseph Koterski, SJ. He died unexpectedly on August 9th, 2021.

Fr. Koterski was a well-noted intellectual, teaching and writing on Aristotle, natural law, and medieval philosophy, among other topics. He served as editor of International Philosophy Quarterly, on numerous scholarly societies, and most recently on the editorial board of the relaunched Review for Religious.

His life was an enactment of the parable of the sower, constantly scattering the seed of the Gospel. As news of his untimely death spread, there was an outpouring of memories on Twitter, from both those whose vocations he supported to priesthood or religious life and the laity. Some remembered how he prodded them to think more deeply, while others recalled his spiritual counseling and support, such as his habit of handing out examen cards when he visited parishes to gives talks or retreats. He was renowned for his generosity, whether reviewing line-by-line chapters written by brother Jesuits, giving retreats, encouraging vocations, or arranging reading and study groups for interested students, he was constantly and selflessly giving of his time and energy to whoever came into his life. In exceptionally polarizing times, he was unusual in how he managed to simultaneously hold strong beliefs while being an open-minded conversation partner, gracious and kind even in disagreement.

May he now rest in the peace of the Lord whom he faithfully served.

See Fordham News and Jesuits East for obituaries.