What are your criteria for a story's Catholic essence, sufficient to merit its being published by NCR? I would say: Whatever may be of interest to a Catholic, as Catholic, perhaps deserves to be shared with this readership. I agree that Father Berry's priesthood is irrelevant; and Catholic layfolk are at least as interesting as any clergy or religious.

In the case of Father Berry, he was a creative, inspired individual, held in high regard by many (within a rather limited circle), and beloved by many too. I heard him speak at Columbia in the late 80s, and his answer to a quibbling question of mine changed my life. So for me he will always be a most worthwhile person to read and talk about.