Fr. Ray Tetrault, presente!

Pax Christi Rhode Island co-founder died on January 3

Pax Christi Rhode Island mourns the passing of Fr. Ray Tetrault, who died in Providence, RI on January 3, 2023, two days shy of his 88th birthday.

Fr. Ray, along with a few others, formed the Pax Christi Rhode Island chapter in response to the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and the U.S.’s subsequent rush to war in Iraq. His dedication to Jesus’ message of nonviolence fortified him to stand for hours in the cold, rain and heat while holding banners, praying the rosary or leafletting. He wrote editorials for local newspapers on disarmament and nuclear weapons. As a member of Priests for Justice, he was a role model for all of us with his perseverance, patience and deep faith.

In August 2021, Fr. Ray was the celebrant for Pax Christi USA’s online Peace Mass; the focus that month was the International Day Against Nuclear Tests. Click here to read his homily.

Father Raymond’s ministry with Latino immigrants in the United States led him to join them in their struggle for justice and to help develop new leaders in their community. His embrace of the principles of nonviolence and of living a life of peace and justice were his foundations.

A man of modest needs but of great and profound ideas, Raymond was in awe of the unity of all creation. He cherished the environment and found simple pleasure in working in his garden, feeding the birds outside his window, and nurturing the lemon tree that grew there. As a painter, he shared his vision of nature and of the suffering people of the world.

He was a gentle, kind and loving priest who will be deeply missed.

Fr. Ray Tetrault, presente!

Read Fr. Ray’s obituary in the Providence Journal.

(In lieu of flowers he requested donations be made to Pax Christi USA so the work of peace and nonviolence would continue.)