Peter Lippert, C.Ss.R.

Father Peter Lippert, Alumnus and Professor of the Alphonsian Academy, passed away on May 9, 1998 after a long battle with cancer. Father Lippert was one of the favorite professors at the Academy . . . loved and respected by both Faculty and Students. The Redemportist Congregation, the Alphonsian Academy and the world of Theology have lost a great friend in the passing of Father Peter. Although he filled our halls with his bright smile and exuberant enthusiasm, most did not know many details his life. Please remember Father Peter in your prayers.

Peter Lippert was born to Peter and Margaret Lippert-Herrman in Prague on November 21, 1930. When the family was deported from Czechoslovakia, they moved to Senftenberg, Germany. Father Lippert completed his studies in Munich. He then received training and gained a position in a banking institution in Gelsenkirchen. His talents were quickly recognized and he was promoted to the foreign exchange department in Düseldorf. It was at this time that he began to make contact with the Redemptorist Community at Bochum and after a period of discernment decided to become a Redemptorist.

After his novitiate, he studied at the Redemptorist Philosophy and Theology Institute at Hennef-Geistingen. He was ordained a Redemptorist Priest on April 4, 1961. Immediately after his ordination, Father Peter traveled to The Alphonsian Academy in Rome to specialize in Moral Theology. He completed his studies and received a Doctorate in Moral Theology in 1964. In that same year, he began lecturing at his former seminary at Hennef-Geistingen. From 1970, until shortly before his final illness, he taught at The Alphonsian Academy. His talents were in great demand, and in 1974 he began lecturing at St. Lambert's Seminary in Grafschaft-Lantershofen.

He was also a true son of St. Alphonsus. Always generous with his time and talents to serve his beloved Redemptorist Congregation. He was called on to serve in various positions at all levels in the Redemptorist Community. He was director of the Community of Geistingen (1984 - 1990) and remained there until his death organizing and planning the pastoral work of his confreres. His joy in life was pastoral ministry. He was wholly devoted to theological and spiritual counseling of priests and religious. From his very early days as a Redemptorist, he was a member of the Provincial Chapter. For three years he was elected the Provincial Council. He was entrusted by his Province to visit their Indonesian Mission on the islands of Sumba and lava. Four times he was an elected representative to the Redemptorist General Chapter where his skill in language proved to be a valuable asset. He was a man of far ranging experience having traveled extensively from Brazil to Poland, from the USA to Africa and Southeast Asia. He was always ready and willing to share his experience with others.

In 1993 Cancer entered his life. Although he bravely fought this dreaded disease, Father Lippert was forced to slow down his busy schedule. He retired from teaching first at Lantershofen and then, with a sad heart, he even had to stop lecturing at The Alphonsian Academy. Slowly but surely Father Peter's great faith allowed him to accept what was happening. He said to a confrere, "I thought I was healthy...just a little trouble here and there. But, I have to realize . . . I am seriously sick, just able to do some work occasionally". In the last two months of his life, he was absolutely conscious of his situation: "You go for a checkup to St. Joseph's Hospital and suddenly you are kept for care. Later they tell you they can help you in the palliative section. From there you get to Elisabeth Clinic at Lohmar-Deesem". His strong faith and his love for The Redeemer carried him through very difficult times. In the end he said: "I am grateful".

Father Peter life and death are a great inspiration to all of us. While we miss him, we know that God, in whom he always trusted, is giving him his last fulfillment.