Gerard MANNION

Dr. Mannion's teaching and legacy will remain a deep part of my theological and ecclesial sensibilities. He taught me in one of first doctoral courses at Georgetown University; parsing the history of religious pluralism from endless angles. He gave me the unique opportunity to help organise the 10th Ecclesial Investigations 2016 conference in Hong Kong, enriching my perspectives on Chinese ecclesiology as well as my social network. But beyond the classroom, Dr. Mannion was an outstanding example of principle and generosity.

The last time I saw Dr. Mannion was in March earlier this year. I was passing through DC for just a few short days. Bumping into him in the department hallway, he asked how life in Geneva was, thanked me for the Swiss chocolate I routinely bring faculty, and gave a characteristic deep chuckle about the blessings and evils of too much chocolate. Wishing me well, he gave me his strong pump of a handshake. "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the Hong Kong project either," he noted. He always had too many projects going on.

I shall certainly not forget anything you have taught me, Dr. Mannion. As one of your last students, I will do my part to honour your passion for the church and the world and pray I do your scholarship, teaching, and presence justice.

Gerald was an energetic and delightful presence. I respected his clear analysis, far-reaching network building and his great sense of humor. I am so very sorry for his loss and his presence is missed at Georgetown. I will miss having someone with whom I can talk about rugby around the department.

Gerard always impressed me with his inexhaustible energy, his wide-ranging contacts and interests, his knowledge of persons, places, and issues, his generosity, his conviviality, and his concern to bring people together to serve our world. His restless spirit of caring for others remains as an inspiration and challenge to me. I am profoundly grateful that our paths crossed and that his life enriched my own in so many ways.

Prof. Mannion was an eminent scholar, operating amongst some of the foremost experts of Catholic theology on the planet. Still, he always found time for the odd question and was quite happy to serve as a soundboard for some of my ideas. The passion that he brought to interfaith engagement must not be understated: for, in his conceptualisation of the Catholic future, he saw the inexorability of interfaith dialogue and progress thereby as of vital consequence. May his family find comfort in the company of one another, and may the many generations of scholars he trained carry forth his ideas in their work.

Colleagues at Georgetown University send warm condolences to all Gerard's family.

Ar gcomhbhrón le do theaghlach .

Prof. Mannion was one of my first teachers in the Georgetown PhD program in Theology and Religious Studies. I learned so much from his course and was inspired by his dedication to making the Church a more hospitable and just community. I hope my work one can, in some small way, help carry forward his mission. Your family is in my prayers.

Dear Gerard,

You were an inspiration, a true gentleman and a wonderful human being. I’ll never forget your guidance on university or your reassuring words when needed. You were a shining example of how to focus your knowledge and talent and someone I’ve always looked up to from an early age.

The world has lost one of its greats, but heaven has gained one. I’m sure you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

Rest well, brother. God bless you x

Sending our love to Maria, Julie, Derek and all the family.. Thank you Gerard for all the great memories in Cambridge, Oxford, Ireland and Northampton to name but a few. It was truly amazing and inspiring to hear your seminar only recently at Trinity college. May we all in our own small way carry on your good work for justice in the world. We were blessed to have you as a friend. God Bless love Teresa, Jamie & Charlotte Xxxx

The world is a poorer place without you, Ges, and I cannot describe how sad I am. But I am grateful to have known you. Years ago - on a very fun conference evening - we listened to a song together:
"I bless the light,
I bless the light that shines on you believe me.
And though you're gone,
You're with me every single day, believe me."

Thank you for the days, Ges!

We knew Gerrard only for the few years he was at Georgetown University. One aspect that brought us together was the fact that Helen Bridget's mother was a Mannion from Murvey, Roundstone, Connemara, although we were unable to find any direct relationship among the many other Mannions. Our last email from Gerrard was dated 20 September 2019 at 1243, apparently less than 24 hours before his death. He was uniquely knowledgeable and perceptive among the Irish military personnel, clerics, academics, theologians, medical specialists, neighbors, engineers, missionaries, politicians, and diplomats whom we encountered as American diplomats in 15 countries (including Ireland) in five continents. We especially shared his sense of the importance of religion in past, current, and future societies and in the urgency of finding and applying common convictions of faith to overcome religious differences internationally. We hope that the qualities of his work will continue to apply to his successors. We pray that, among sainted predecessors in the new phase of his existence, he will continue in to remember and help all of us. As he put it at the close of his final email to us "...looking forward to seeing you when you are back this side of the pond."

Gerard,
Such a shock, that you have gone.
Shalom.

Bertie,Maria, Tina, Bernie.Philly, James, & Ryan.

Deepest Sympathy to Marie, Julie, Dereck and families. Gerard was a wonderful cousin who always made time for everyone. Remembering happy times as children at the many family gatherings in Northampton and more recently in Washington DC. Loved nephew of John & Winnie Kelly, recently deceased, you were so good to them & we thank you for that Gerard. Your faith, love & tremendous work has inspired us all . Always in our hearts . RIP now Gerard in your heavenly home.

I met Gerard as a graduate student in 2011. He was unbelievably kind and encouraging to me then. I continued to see him at our professional conferences, and seeing him always lit up my day. His kindness and thoughtfulness is what we should all aspire to.

So heartbroken for the loss of a fantastic cousin and lovely man. Still can’t believe you’re gone. May you rest in peace, the world will be poorer without you cuz.

Sincere condolences to all the Mannion family at the loss of Gerard.

He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Thoughts and prayers are with you all, may he RIP xx

Gerard, such an inspiration to everyone, and a life lost too soon. You were such a kind hearted, generous, incredibly smart soul, who none of us will ever forget.

You’ll be deeply missed, but very welcome in heaven with the rest of the family.

Thoughts and prayers to all xxxx

A Beautiful soul is never forgotten xxxx

Sending our heartfelt sympathy and love to Julie, Derek, Marie and all the family on the tragic loss of their dear brother Gerrard. He was such a kind, loving, friendly and generous man and we feel proud and honoured to have met him. Life's work well done Gerrard. RIP. Xx

Sending sincere and heartfelt condolences . Fond memories of Gerard coming to see me in the record shop ( Revolver) in Northampton when he was 12. Looking very dapper in his Parker all those years ago. Rest in peace Gerard God bless

Uncle Ges the legend, the heart of a party, the man who shared a wise word with many.
You were such an inspiration to us all. So caring and loving and of course a great craic.
You were taken far to soon from us and will be missed dearly. We love you so so much uncle Ges until we meet again xxx

One for the road..........

A great man, and an even greater human. I still cannot believe you are gone, completely broken hearted.
I hope you’re throwing everyone the biggest party and leading the songs and cheers with the family as you always do.
Your work, life and light will shine on in our hearts and memories.
God bless and keep you safe.
Xxx

Still can’t believe that this has happened and that I will never see, talk to or share a glass with my mate again. Ges had so many qualities - he was intelligent, witty, strong, sporty, loyal, modest, funny, caring and just the best fun to be with. He was a prodigious academic thinker, writer and teacher who achieved an immense amount in his field of study. He was a promoter of social justice in a time of immense global injustice. He was a staunch socialist who believed in equality of opportunity. He was a dedicated Catholic who passionately believed in Christ’s teachings being actively lived out. He was an extremely proud Irishman who loved his country immensely. But most of all he was a devoted son, brother, uncle and cousin to his family who he adored. And for so many of us around the world he was just the best mate, someone who was always there to listen and provide encouragement to us and of course to be the catalyst for just the best days or nights out ever with his wit, his warmth, his charm and his smile. To Maria, Julie, Derek, Mandy and all his family, I am so sorry for your loss and to Ges RIP my old mate, thanks for the most wonderful memories that I will always treasure and may God bless your soul forever. Codladh sámh.

Uncle Ges, an amazing person who enjoyed life to the full.
We are all so proud of all that you have achieved and for being the kind hearted, inspirational person we knew so well.
We have special memories that will be cherished forever and shared in your memory.
Thank you for the advice, the gatherings and trips together, and all the great times we had.
Remembering you always and forever in our hearts xxx

Marie and all the Mannion Family i am so sorry for your loss May He RIP

Such a young age another angel taken too soon privaliged to have been your cousin R.I.P Gez sleep well xxx

My dearest cousin Gerard so shocked you was taken from us so young we will miss you so much and you will always be in our hearts God bless you all xxx

Sincere sympathy to Julie, Marie,Derek and all the extended mannion families on the loss of there beloved brother Gerard may he rest in peace, our thoughts and prayers are with you all
God bless
Davina nelson and family

My condolences to all Gerard Family I knew Michael and Theresa for many years

Reunited in Heaven , God's Speed.
RIP

Sincere sympathy to all the Mannion Family on there heartbreaking loss, my prayers are with you all at this very difficult time .
Helen Callaghan Ballinagare & Kilgefin Kilbride

A very dear Nephew taken too soon, Gerard was full of fun, knowledge & care, it was always a pleasure to be in Gerard’s company.He will be missed by so many.My thoughts & prayers are with my Nieces Maria, Julie Derek & all Gerard’s nieces & nephew’s Love you all

So sorry for your unbearable loss.
Gerard was an amazing man that achieved great things, an inspiration.
Thinking of you all x