Christendom College mourns the passing of Fr. Terence Henry, TOR, who served as the fifth president of the Franciscan University of Steubenville. A friend of the college who was honored with Christendom’s Pro Deo et Patria Award for Distinguished Service to God and Country in 2014, Fr. Henry leaves behind a legacy of deep commitment to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and a passion for academics and the formation of students. Fr. Henry was 77.
Fr. Henry entered the novitiate of the Third Order Regular (TOR) Franciscans in 1967 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1976. He was appointed the fifth president of Franciscan University of Steubenville in 2000. In one of his first public acts as president, he took the Oath of Fidelity and made the Profession of Faith required by canon law for Catholic theology professors and those involved in the formation of students.
During his tenure, Fr. Henry oversaw significant growth in both the university’s campus and its student body, leading the construction of new residence halls and facilities while welcoming hundreds of additional students to campus. He also helped bring the university into NCAA Division III athletic competition, all while strengthening the college’s academic rigor and its passionately pro-life stance.
Fr. Henry stepped down as university president in 2013 and was subsequently appointed chancellor, continuing to play a vital role in advancing the spiritual and academic mission of the university.
In 2014, Fr. Henry was honored by Christendom for his tremendous service to God and country with the college’s Pro Deo et Patria Award during the college’s commencement ceremonies. In his address to the graduating class, he encouraged students to embrace life as an adventure.
“What is our task? To discover the unique gifts He has given us,” said Fr. Henry. “To discover His mission and to discover the unique gifts He has given you to accomplish it. You are needed on the front lines wherever the culture of death is pressing in.”
The entire Christendom community mourns his passing and gives thanks for Fr. Henry’s extraordinary legacy of faith and leadership.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.