The Rev. John Naus, associate professor of philosophy and chaplain of the Alumni Memorial Union, speaks with the Tribune about his favorite foods, biggest challenge and love of the St. Joan of Arc Chapel's Tuesday night Mass.

MU connection:

Naus, 83, graduated from Marquette High School and entered the Jesuit order in 1942. He was ordained a priest in 1955. After teaching at St. Louis University from 1959 to 1963, Naus came to Marquette. He is now an associate professor of philosophy and the chaplain of the AMU. Naus is probably most recognizable to students as the Tuesday night Mass celebrant.

Biggest pet peeve:

"I suppose I have a number of them, but I don't know if I have one that's a pet. I suppose my pet peeve is when I, myself, am insensitive to the needs of other people. That frustrates me very much. I suppose disappointment in oneself is one of the most embarrassing and discouraging things that a person can experience."

Dream vacation:

"Back to Rome. I spent two years in Rome getting my doctorate. I love Italian food, for one thing, and I love the Italian people."

Favorite food:

"Obviously pizza. When I get to heaven, what I want is that there is tuna, turkey, chunky applesauce, cold tomatoes and to see God every day. I don't want any yogurt, Fig Newtons, tripe or calamari."

Favorite spot on campus:

"No question about it, Joan of Arc Chapel."

Best Marquette moment:

"First of all, the happiest hour of my week, every week, is the 10 o'

clock Mass at Joan of Arc Chapel. I've been doing that for around 28 years. Just worshipping and sharing liturgy, sharing the Body and Blood of Christ with the number of students that fill that chapel on Tuesday nights now, just means so much to me."

Biggest challenge:

"Handling the difficulties as a result of (my) stroke."

Proudest moment:

"Celebrating a Mass with college students—with Marquette students—is the most thrilling time of each week. It happens not just one moment, but it happens every Tuesday night."

Why the priesthood:

"I decided I wanted to be a priest because I saw it as a way of helping other people, and to me that's what life is all about."

Why the Jesuit order:

"I loved Marquette University High School and the Jesuits there. I thought that if I joined any religious order it would be one where they taught. I love teaching and counseling."

Favorite class:

"I love teaching ethics because I think it's so important. You know, to try and help myself and try to help other people figure out what they should do."

In addition to teaching Theory of Ethics and Eastern Philosophy, Naus teaches Philosophy of Humor.

Philosophy of humor:

"From my years of counseling and years of life, I believe that humor is a very invaluable and important element in the development of personality and also the ability to enjoy life. It makes life so worthwhile and so happy."

While studying humor, Naus played the role of Tumbleweed the Clown and attended Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College in Venice, Fla.

Why Marquette:

"Father Raynor, who became president at Marquette, asked if I would come up here, teach and do administration."

Most needed change on campus:

"I honestly can't think of much that needs to be changed. One thing that is important for all of us to do is that we take care of students that are in any way handicapped. I think we are doing a good job, but I don't think you ever do as much as you could. Any university, any establishment, can always do more."