Reverend Msgr. Arthur Burton Calkins

“You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” Ps 110:4 

Reverend Msgr. Arthur Burton Calkins, a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, in residence at Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Sulphur, La., died on February 3, 2024. He was 78 years of age.

Msgr. Calkins was born on April 18, 1945, in Erie, Pa., to Kenneth Elton Calkins and Frances Catherine Crawford Calkins. He attended elementary school at Washington School and St. Joseph’s in Erie. His secondary education was at St. Mark’s Seminary High School and Gannon College in Erie.  He attended St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore, Md., and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood May 7, 1970, in Erie.

After ordination, Father Calkins engaged in advanced studies at Oxford University, England, the International Marian Research Institute in Dayton, Oh., and the Pontifical Theological Faculty of St. Bonaventure in Rome, Italy, commonly known as the Seraphicum. His doctoral supervisor was Father Peter Damian Fehlner, OFMconv (+ 2018). His thesis, summa cum laude, was later published as “Totus Tuus: Pope John Paul II’s Programme of Marian Consecration and Entrustment” and appeared in a second edition in 2017, a rarity for doctoral dissertations.

In the Archdiocese of New Orleans he served as associate pastor at St. Edward the Confessor Church, Metairie; St. Agnes Church, Jefferson; and Immaculate Conception Church, Marrero.  He was also in residence at St. Angela Merici Church, Metairie; St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans; and St. Luke Church, Slidell.

Msgr. Calkins was named Chaplain of His Holiness in 1997 and was promoted to Prelate of Honor of His Holiness in 2010.

Msgr. Calkins served as an official of the Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei” at  the Vatican, remaining in Rome for over 20 years. During those years he served under Cardinals Innocenti, Felici, Castrillón, Ratzinger (who became Pope Benedict XVI), and Levada.

Msgr. Calkins was appointed a corresponding member of the Pontifical International Marian Academy in 1985 and a corresponding member of the Pontifical Roman Theological Academy in 1995.

Upon returning to New Orleans, Monsignor continued his theological research and writing while serving as associate chaplain for Archbishop Rummel High School, Immaculata High School, and Christopher Inn.

Msgr. Calkins retired in 2017 from service in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and entered into residence in the parish of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Sulphur, La., in the Diocese Lake Charles.

Msgr. Calkins was a scholar and prolific writer producing monographs on various theological and spiritual subjects with the greatest concentration in the specialty of Mariology. His contributions to the field were inspired by his profound love for Our Lord and His Holy Mother. The list of publications is extensive. He has been a mentor to many scholars writing under his tutelage. He gave conferences and retreats around the globe.

Msgr. Calkins was at home among the many who admired and loved him in the Sulphur/Lake Charles area. His witness to the faith has moved many hearts. He enriched the parish and neighboring church parishes with his erudite teaching and compassionate ministry. While in residence at Prompt Succor parish he remained very active with the celebration of the sacraments, preaching, teaching, and spiritual direction. He served as the Spiritual Director for the Legion of Mary. He leaves behind many friends.

Msgr. Calkins is survived by his sister, Joyce A. Gerrity of Erie, Pa.; sister-in-law, Marianne Calkins of Erie, Pa.; nephew, Kevin G (Angela) Calkins, of Erie, Pa.; niece Stacey F. (Jamin) Rogovoy of Germantown, Md.; great nephew, Jacob Calkins, and great nieces, Abigail Calkins, Ella, and Jane Rogovoy. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Gary.

A Solemn Requiem Mass with Pontifical Assistance will be celebrated at the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, Sulphur, La, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

After the Solemn Requiem Mass, his body will lie in repose in the Chapel of St. Peter Claver at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church, Sulphur, La. Vigil will be kept throughout the day and night until Saturday morning, Feb. 10, 2024. Friends may come to pray during the afternoon, evening, and night. The parish hall will be available during the prayer vigil for refreshments and visitation.

A Memorial Mass in the presence of the body will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles, La., at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, by the Most Rev. Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 3368 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at St. Louis #3 Cemetery, New Orleans.

Requiescat in pace.

(Info provided by the Archdiocese of New Orleans and Gloria.tv/en.news)