We have the very sorrowful task of informing those of you who were at ICAF during the 2009 academic year, that Captain (Chaplain) David W. Giradin, USN, passed peacefully at home in Norfolk, Va., on the morning of November 3, surrounded by his family.

Reflections from Dr. Paul Severance:

"Dave fought an incredibly public, courageous and uplifting battle against a virulent strain of cancer for eight brutal months before his passing. I followed his ups and downs, triumphs and defeats, hope and despair on Facebook, and he was always upbeat, fighting to the end, and trusting in the Lord. For me, personally, Dave was simply "Padre," as all military chaplains eventually come to be called at some point in their pastoral careers. We followed different faiths, but the same God. He was the kindest, gentlest man I have ever known, and my year with the Class of 2009 was enriched by this man's love of God and country and his love of humanity. In a word, military chaplains are "special," and so was David.

While a student, Padre Giradin left his family in Norfolk and resided during the week in the Redemptorist Catholic Monastery in NW, near Catholic University. My fondest memory was the night he invited me and my family to Christmas Vespers at the monastery followed by dinner with the Prior and the monks. An incredible evening, this solitary Protestant living and praying among Catholics. Truly inspirational. A lesson in love and ecumenicalism my family and I will never forget."

ICAF/ES Family, please keep Padre Dave and his family in your prayers, especially during this holiday season.