Louis Bouyer
Louis Bouyer
Louis Bouyer (1913-2004) was born to a Parisian Protestant family on the eve of the First World War. A brilliant intellect, he was ordained as a Lutheran pastor at 23. His reflections on the Church and the liturgy led to his conversion to Catholicism in 1939; he was ordained a priest for the Oratory of France on the Feast of the Annunciation in 1944. He then devoted his life to meditating, teaching on three continents, and writing on the major themes of Christian theology: the Trinity, the Church, spirituality, scripture, etc.; his works have had an enduring impact on Catholic theology to this day. He also participated in the liturgical and ecumenical movements with an enthusiasm that turned into disappointment at the direction both movements soon took. His work and reputation led to his appointment to the preparatory phase of Vatican II as well as to the Consilium for the reform of the liturgical books of the Roman rite, where he collaborated in composing Eucharistic prayer II. His literary tastes and talent (he wrote four novels anonymously) allowed him to form deep and lasting friendships with such writers as J.R.R. Tolkien and others, while his clear and courageous theological mind earned him the friendship of Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI), Cardinal Heenan, and Paul VI--who wished to make Bouyer a bishop and later a cardinal. In retirement he lived in the Benedictine monastery of Saint Wandrille and would spend the feasts of the Assumption and Christmas among the Benedictine nuns in Jouques. He died in 2004, at the age of 89.
Books by Louis Bouyer
