ACADEMIC NEWS
Rector Monsignor Todd Lajiness announced the news on the seminary website shortly after the event and expressed a deep gratitude for Dr . Latkovic ’ s selfless service and leadership as a professor and theologian .
“ He has served faithfully and generously over the years , and truly poured his whole being into the mission of the seminary for 30 years ,” Msgr . Lajiness said . “ He was passionate about moral theology and provided the students faithful teaching and a holy example .
“ His death is a monumental loss for all of us as part of the Sacred Heart community , for the Archdiocese of Detroit , and for Catholic Church as a whole ,” he added .
Dr . Latkovic had one of the longest-held tenures at the seminary , beginning his work in 1990 and becoming full professor in 2003 . During his time there , he taught numerous courses to seminarians and lay students alike , and contributed significantly to the philosophical and theological spheres with countless books and essays on related topics . Dr . Latkovic also wrote for several publications and columns , and he was a prolific Catholic speaker , appearing on television , numerous radio shows , and conferences .
In addition to his extensive list of scholarly publications , Dr . Latkovic also wrote beautiful poetry that he published on his own website , as well as in the Unleash the Gospel magazine .
Since the event of his loss , faculty and staff at the seminary have reflected on the gift of his life , both personally and professionally in their community .
“ Mark would stop by my office every two weeks or so , just to say hello and catch up on our families ,” said Dr . Phillip Blosser , professor of philosophy . “ Almost invariably , the conversation would turn to some of the more colorful professors he had in grad school . Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine , with Mark , one would always find laughter and a howling good time .”
Fr . John Michael McDermott , professor of theology at the seminary , echoed the sentiment that Dr . Latkovic was a man who was full of laughter and life .
“ What I most remember about Mark was his good imitation of Bill May , under whom he studied at Catholic University of America . Bill was a character , given to Irish exaggerations , with a warm heart and friendly handshake . He was also a very good moralist and was never hesitant of professing his Catholic faith and his own convictions ,” Fr . McDermott said . “ Mark caught him well .”
Dr . Robert Fastiggi , professor of systematic theology , shared that Dr . Latkovic was the first faculty member he met at Sacred Heart , and that Dr . Latkovic left a lasting impression on him with his goodness .
“ I had never met him before , nor had I ever been to Detroit . I was , though , put at ease because I sensed goodness and honesty in his voice ,” Dr . Fastiggi said . “ After I was offered the position , Mark was so helpful to me and my family in finding a real estate agent and a good place to live . He was a man who exuded goodness . There was nothing pretentious or defensive in him . He was just a good , honest man who loved his family , his faith , and his job .”
Dr . Edward Peters , Edmund Cardinal Szoka Chair of Faculty Development , also said that Dr . Latkovic was known for his kindness .
“ From the first day I set foot on the Sacred Heart campus , Mark Latkovic showed me remarkable kindnesses in a place already known for its cordiality . His generosity toward me continued to the last day I saw him as we talked about ideas to improve a course on marriage that he and I had team-taught for a period ,” Dr . Peters said .
“ He promised to stop by and talk more when all this ‘ Covid craziness ’ had passed , but of course , that meeting never took place ,” he added . “ Nevertheless , while we are deprived of his teaching ideas , not to mention his companionship , I am confident that we all remain in his very powerful prayers .”
While the seminary still suffers a great loss in the passing of Dr . Latkovic , Msgr . Lajiness expressed in his announcement the unity experienced through prayer , despite earthly separation .
“ There is nothing stronger for us than being bound in prayer , wrapped in the embrace of the risen Christ ,” he wrote . “ While we all grieve in a very real way , a grief that comes from the deep bonds of human love and affection , I am reminded of the words of St . Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians about death and Christ ’ s resurrection when he reminds us of the hope given through Christ ’ s victory . He said : ‘ Brothers and sisters , we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death , so that you do not grieve like others do who have no hope .’”
The impression left by Dr . Latkovic ’ s generous character and selfless service at the seminary will continue to reach others for years to come . May his soul , and all the souls of the faithful departed , rest in the eternal peace of Christ .
“ On Crying ” • May 4 , 2020
Crying can be good for the soul It can be good for mental health It can be quite like a good sweat As tears flow helping you feel whole
But you have to know when to stop Like virtue there ’ s a golden mean Of deficiency and excess Cry too much … and you need the mop
Cry too little … it ’ s bottled up And then the feelings trouble you Aurea mediocritas Is fine — much like a half-filled cup
“ A Flash in the Night ” • April 28 , 2020
I find my life flash before my eyes In a single act of dark sorrow I feel I ’ m drowning in the ocean And in all my fears of tomorrow
But what of Jesus who cried blood tears ? Or when on the boat he calmed the sea ? Shouldn ’ t this be enough love for me ? Shouldn ’ t it from my fears set me free ?
shms . edu 27