Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

Fr. Richard Boever, C.Ss.R., a dedicated and talented Redemptorist priest, passed away on January 28, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was residing at the Desert House Mission Community in Tucson, AZ at the time of his passing. Fr. Richard will be remembered for his creativity and ministry spanning over 50 years, particularly for his devotion to and authorship of books about two renowned Redemptorists who served in the United States - St. John Neumann, C.Ss.R. and Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R.

Fr. Richard Boever was born on May 13, 1947, in St. Louis, MO, to Richard and Clara Boever. His interest in becoming a priest was sparked at a young age, and it was solidified when he served Mass for a Redemptorist preacher during a novena at his home parish. He pursued his education at St. Joseph's College in Edgerton, WI, where his artistic talents flourished, and he formed lifelong friendships with his classmates.

In 1967, Fr. Richard entered the novitiate at Blessed John Neumann College in Clinton, IA, and he professed his temporary vows on August 2, 1968. He completed his theology studies at Holy Redeemer College in Waterford, WI, and Mount St. Alphonsus Seminary in Esopus, NY. On June 21, 1973, he was ordained to the priesthood by Auxiliary Bishop Leo J. Brust of Milwaukee.

Throughout his ministry, Fr. Richard served in various parishes and communities across the United States. He worked as an editor at Liguori Publications in Liguori, MO, from 1979 to 1987 while earning a doctorate degree in Historical Theology from St. Louis University. He then served as a pastor and local superior at St. Gerard Majella Parish in Kirkwood, MO, and later returned to Liguori Publications as publisher and local superior of the Liguori Mission House community.

Fr. Richard's dedication to retreat ministry led him to the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita, KS, where he excelled in providing spiritual guidance and also served as a chaplain and associate professor of theology at Newman University. In 2001, he became the director of St. John Neumann House in St. Louis and taught theology at St. Louis University.

In 2005, Fr. Richard embraced his contemplative spirit and passion for working with his hands by becoming the director of the Redemptorist Retreat Center in Oconomowoc, WI. During his time there, he explored pottery and weaving, creating beautiful pieces of art. He also added weaving retreats to the program agenda, allowing others to experience the joy of this craft.

In 2010, Fr. Richard joined the Mission Team at Liguori Mission House and served as a research expert at the Neumann Shrine in Philadelphia. He then became the pastor of three rural parishes in Missouri – Holy Cross in Cuba, St. Francis in Bourbon, and St. Michael in Steelville. Fr. Richard's love for the country life extended to his garden, where he grew bountiful crops of vegetables.

In 2019, Fr. Richard was appointed as the Executive Director of the National Shrine of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos in New Orleans, LA. He dedicated himself to promoting devotion to Blessed Seelos and authored the book "ZEALOUS MISSIONARY: From the Perspective of Francis Xavier Seelos." Fr. Richard was granted retirement status in the previous year and moved to the Desert House Mission Community, where he received hospice care until his passing.

Fr. Richard Boever's contributions to the Redemptorist community and his dedication to the ministry will be remembered and cherished by all those whose lives he touched. As we bid farewell to this remarkable priest, let us keep him in our thoughts and prayers. May his soul rest in peace.