Dear CIC,
It is with sadness and a heavy heart the I write to inform you that I learned that that my uncle and long time Manhattan College professor Br. Celestine Luke Salm has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has given six months to live. I am sure many of your readers have been taught by Br. Luke, who was a professor in the religion department for many, many years. He was also a residence director at both West Hill and Overlook. His professional accomplishments in the field of theology were many, and he had published several books including a biography of St. John Baptiste De La Salle, founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. This book has recently been made required reading for all faculty and staff of the College. Prayers on his behalf would be greatly appreciated by any and all inclined to do so.
Kevin Moore
1980
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[JR: Ouch! That is ... sad news indeed. Hard to find the right words. As one of the radio commercials I heard, "people don't come with expiration dates". I'm not convinced that the "witch doctors" are more accurate than weather forecasters or economists. I'd rank them just a smidgen above "politician's promises". Perhaps, we can find the his books on Amazon and post a link. Might make Brother smile to have his books climb on the popularity list. Isn't that the fourth of the "Prime Directive": Live, Laugh, Love, and Legacy? Prayers are on their way.]
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One of the best classes I ever took at Manhattan was with Br. Luke Salm. He embodies everything a professor should. I am sure Jaspers around the world will pray that he suffers little and is able to make the most of this time here with family and friends.
Please send my love and gratitude. I will never forget Br. Luke stopping me in the quad to encourage me to take one of his classes (I had not been able to work him into my schedule yet). That little nudge helped me to make it happen the next semester and I have always been grateful for the opportunity of including one of the Manhattan College greats among my professors.
I read this note with tears – I am so sorry and he is added to my prayer list. He answered every question I have asked him and been more than helpful when I was new to Manhattan College. He is one of our living treasures.
He was my teacher of theology 101 1956 and 1957;we became very good friends and was able to be his guest when he went to P.R. and again when he came to my country,Venezuela. Last time my wife and I, were to hear mass and had lunch with him and all the other brothers(2002) GOD BLESS HIM