Father Louis H. Hater, MM

Born: April 29, 1912
Ordained: June 16, 1940
Died: April 18, 1982

“So far then, we have seen that, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by faith we are judged righteous and at peace with God, since it is by faith and through Jesus that we have entered this state of grace in which we can boast about looking forward to God’s glory.“ (Rom.5:1-2)

For Father Louis Hater faith had been a sign from God that he had received the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering for Him as well. Father Hater shared the sufferings of Christ for many years and now he is sharing his glory.

For many years Father Hater had suffered from continued illness. Perhaps this was the cross and gift that Christ granted to him shortly after his ordination to the priesthood. He can certainly make the words of St. Paul his very own: “…we can boast about sufferings. These sufferings bring patience, as we know, and patience brings perseverance, and perseverance brings hope and this hope is not deceptive, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” (Rom.5:4)

Louis Hater was the son of Emma Korte and August Hater and was born on the 29th of April in 1912. He studied for the priesthood first at St. Gregory’s Seminary in Cincinnati, and then at Maryknoll, N.Y. He was ordained on June 16, 1940. His first mission was in Kweilin, China, in 1940. His second was Guatemala in 1949. During the rest of his life he was assigned to Maryknoll, N.Y., to the Venard, and finally to St. Teresa’s Residence in 1968. In 1977 he was made a member of the Special Society Unit. On June 29, 1980 he celebrated his fortieth year in the priesthood.

It is quite evident from Father’s letters that he prized the virtue of obedience. He would never think of leaving his post without first requesting permission. He was also a very sensitive man, who was ever grateful for all that had been done for him and apologetic for his own shortcomings. He loved his priesthood and his membership in Maryknoll. On the occasion of his 25th anniversary in the priesthood he wrote these words to Bishop Comber: “I hope that I may continue to be a great priest and a loyal member of the Society.”

The Wake for Father Louis took place at the Seminary Tuesday evening, the 20th. Fr. James P. Noonan was Principle Celebrant at the funeral Mass on the following day. Homily was by Fr. William R. McCarthy, a classmate.

Father Hater’s sufferings have now brought him to the Kingdom of God. “I think that what we suffer in this life can never be compared to the glory, as yet unrevealed, which is waiting for us.“(Rom. 8:18)