Deaths and Memorials
We remember with prayers and thanksgiving the NAAL members who have died this year. Their lives have enriched our study and worship. Each is remembered in the Opening Rite of the Annual Meeting of the Academy.
We remember...
Gloria Weyman, longtime advocate of music, dance, and the visual arts for liturgical prayer, went to dance for her Lord on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at 85 years of age. In the years following Vatican II, she was an advocate for the music and ministry of Fr. Lucien Deiss; her efforts were instrumental in making his “Biblical Hymns and Psalms” known throughout the U.S. as well as his work as a speaker on the topics of scripture and liturgy. Having danced with a U.S. touring company of Georges Balanchine’s Ballet Russes as a young woman, she came to blend her art with her Roman Catholic faith. Gloria initiated a dance and movement track for the national conventions of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and worked to have dance, movement, and gesture incorporated in parish liturgies. She was a member of the North American Academy of Liturgy, the first member specializing in liturgical dance. Her book “Dance for the Lord” was a pioneering work. She remained active and interested in the musical and liturgical life of the Church well into her 80s. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
Fr. Lawrence (Larry) Heiman, C.PP.S., 94, died peacefully in his sleep on February 26, 2012, in the infirmary of St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio, where he made his home. He was born August 24, 1917, in Decatur, IN. He entered the Society in 1932 and was ordained on December 5, 1943. Fr. Heiman was a gifted musician and teacher. Soon after his ordination he was assigned to teach music and drama at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind., which is sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. There he spent most of his life as a priest, teaching countless young people to praise God through song. He earned a doctoral degree in music from the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome in 1970. Fr. Heiman was instrumental in establishing an advanced music degree program at St. Joseph’s College. Fr. Heiman received numerous awards during his lifetime for his work in musical education. In 2002, he received the prestigious Jubilate Deo award from the National Association of Pastoral Musicians for his accomplishments.