Comments on: Honoring Otto Maduro

By: Tom Rowan

Tom Rowan — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:05:18 +0000

Nancy and Mateo,
Cathy and I are saddened by the loss of Otto. Having known you and Otto back in 1987 as we prepared to go to Brazil as Maryknoll Lay missioners, it was Otto who excited us about liberation theology. What joy to go with him to a jazz club! I will forever treasure knowing Otto. Every time I listen to jazz I honor Otto. La lucha continua! Presente! Otto!

By: Liz

Liz — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:00:34 +0000

I’m so sad to hear he has passed away. I’m glad that he got to receive the honor of this service/party before his death.

He was a remarkable man and teacher. I was lucky to work for him for 3 years and he was an ideal boss. I’m glad I took the time to tape many of his lectures so I still have recordings of that warm, intelligent and engaging voice. He will be greatly missed by so many whose lives he touched.

It was a very beautiful memorial service today. Thanks to Tanya Bennett and everyone involved with putting it together in just a few days.

By: Rev. Dr. Luz E Maldonado

Rev. Dr. Luz E Maldonado — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:12:25 +0000

Que descanse en paz. Fue un honor conocerle y tomar mis clases de doctorado con él. Su personalidad y sencillez eran notables. Siendo una persona tan talentosa, brillante y profesional y ver su humildad y dedicación a la justicia impactaron mi vida. Su legado quedara en la historia para siempre.

Rest in Pease. It was an honor to met him and have him as my professor during my doctoral studies. His personality and simplicity was very amazing. Been a very talented, wise and professional person, but humble in his heart, always caring about justice, he touch my life. His legacy is going to be remembering.

By: Christine J Smith

Christine J Smith — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:52:01 +0000

Because we moved at the same speed (only in walking and not in thinking) I had the honor of having one conversation with you as your student and I am still touched by your warmth and your spirit. Your spirit will live on in the amazing inspiration you have left in all you have touched. I am forever grateful that I was enrolled in Religion and the Social Process during your tenure. Rest well dear Teacher!

By: María Pilar Aquino

María Pilar Aquino — Tue, 14 May 2013 04:32:28 +0000

Muy querido Otto,

Tu presencia sigue viva entre quienes viven aquí y en el más allá. Tu optimismo y humildad, tu extraordinario intelecto y abundante calor humano, tu amistad sincera y solidaridad sin fronteras, tu pasión por la justicia y tu dedicación ejemplar a la causa de lo/as pobres, te colocan como un gigante de la liberación. Te veo siempre como te conocí en los primeros encuentros académicos que tuvimos contigo desde 1977, en el Instituto Teológico de Estudios Superiores (ITES) en la Ciudad de México, y después en las conferencias del ITES para profundizar tu libro “Religión y Lucha de Clases” (1979). Vestido con un poncho andino, con tu barba larga y una gran sonrisa, nos diste mucha luz y muchas razones para anclar nuestras vidas en los caminos de la Teología de la Liberación. Hasta el día de hoy, como será mañana, tu presencia me sigue dando luz y sigue esclareciendo los caminos hacia la justicia y la paz. Hay en el firmamento una radiante estrella Venezolana en tu honor. Mi cariño para Nancy y Mateo. Mi cariño por tí, como siempre.
María Pilar

By: Abraham Smith

Abraham Smith — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:03:04 +0000

I have fond memories of Otto Maduro when he came to lecture on “Traversing Treacherous Territories: Hispanic Geopolitical & Religious Border Crossing” at Perkins School of Theology in 2007. That lecture was the epitome of scholarship, critical analysis of culture, and a passion for justice. Regrettably my last time to see him was in Chicago at the AAR/SBL meeting last November. He will be sorely missed by all of us. Rest in peace, my friend. God’s embrace of comfort be with Nancy and Mateo.

By: Tércio B. Junker

Tércio B. Junker — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:39:29 +0000

A truly prophet of our time. The academy, colleagues, students, and all people, from every corner of the world who knew Dr. Maduro, will miss him, and, at the same time, will celebrate with gratitude for a life committed to the well-being of all human beings and the created order.
With prayerful and sorrowful heart,
Tércio B. Junker

By: Hector Jaimes

Hector Jaimes — Sun, 12 May 2013 01:09:06 +0000

My life as a person and as a scholar had not been the same, had I not taken a philosophy class with Dr. Maduro in 1984, at the Universidad Central de Venezuela. He supported me through the years; his advice was infallible and his human qualities beyond description. I will for your miss you Otto, but rest assured that your legacy will continue to guide my path.

Peace,
Hector Jaimes

By: Claudio Carvalhaes

Claudio Carvalhaes — Sat, 11 May 2013 17:51:39 +0000

I “met” Prof Otto Maduro in seminary in São Paul, Brazil, when I was studying theology. “Mapas para a Festa” filled my eyes and my heart. Many years later, I met him in US and he spoke in very good Portuguese with me. His joy and wisdom and commitment to the least of these will stay with us forever. I shall honor his legacy with my own teaching and commitments.

I lift up my hands and heart in deep gratitude for his life, teaching and ministry.

Cláudio Carvalhaes

By: Nestor Da Costa

Nestor Da Costa — Sat, 11 May 2013 14:57:32 +0000

En momentos de su Pascua quiero recordar a Otto como un ser humano sensible y comprometido con las luchas por la justicia y los más débiles.
Asimismo es imposible no reconocer su energía vital y su alegría por la vida, aún en momentos difíciles. Estuve con él en noviembre pasado en Chicago y fue un regalo de la vida poder compartir unas horas de trabajo, de amistad, de cercanía.
Recuerdo vivamente su discurso como presidente saliente de la American Academy of Religion. Un discurso comprometido y tomando partido por los menos privilegiados.
Agradezco haberlo conocido y haber compartido algunos momentos de la vida.

Néstor Da Costa
Montevideo – Uruguay