Death of Catholic theologian Dr. Margaret O’Gara

Dr. Margaret O’Gara, Professor of Theology at the University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto, died on August 16 at the age of 65. Dr. O’Gara generously assisted the Bishops of Canada over the course of her career, most particularly in the area of ecumenical relations.

She served as theological advisor for the delegates of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) to the 2001 Synod of Bishops on "The Bishop: The Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Hope of the World"; participated as a CCCB delegate in a number of consultations, including the 2004 Reformed - Roman Catholic Consultation on Baptism and Eucharist; had been appointed by the Conference as a member of the Canadian Anglican –Catholic Dialogue, 1976 to 1993; and at the time of her death was a member of the Canadian Catholic – Evangelical Dialogue, to which she had been appointed by the CCCB in 2008. In addition to her work with the CCCB, she was also invited on a number of occasions to assist the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity as well as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Dr. O’Gara worked tirelessly to foster Christian unity through her teaching, research, writing and public lectures. She also served as President of the North American Academy of Ecumenists as well of of the Catholic Theological Society of America.

Visitation will be at Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home, 467 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, Wednesday, August 22, 2:00 to 9:00 pm, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. The funeral Mass will be at St. Basil’s Church, Thursday, August 23, at 10:30 a.m.