Fr. Charles W. Niehaus, Padre Carlos as he was known in the Latino community, passed away last month on January 10, 2021.
Padre Carlos served his pastoral ministry to the Latino community of the Quad Cities from 1983-1989.
Fr. Niehaus spoke and worked in Spanish without ever having lived in a Spanish-speaking country. During formation, he participated in the “Horizons for Justice” program in which North American Jesuits spent some weeks in Latin America to directly experience situations of social injustice. His participation changed his life—it was the reason he decided to learn Spanish and dedicate his apostolic life to the Hispanic apostolate.
“Padre Carlos was a kind and helpful friend to my family when we first arrived in Moline in 1987.” said Tar Macias, Hola America publisher.
“He sold my parents our first car in the U.S. for only $100. It’s not until I grew up that I realized how kind that gesture was to a family of 7 that had just migrated to this country. Padre Carlos will always have a special place in my heart for me and my family. Rest in Heaven Padre Carlos.” Macias added.
Fr. Niehaus spent his life in pastoral ministry to the Latino community: at Holy Family Church (1976-1983); in the Quad Cities (1983-1989); as co-director of Hispanic ministry in the Diocese of Gary (1990-1992); at St. Ignatius Parish in Chicago (1992-1995); at St. Procopius Church in Chicago/Pilsen (1995-2003 & 2012-2013); at St. Paul Church in Lexington (2004-2012); and at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati (2014-2015). In 2015, he was missioned to care for his health at Colombiere Center in Michigan.
Source: Jesuits Midwest
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