Fr. Bertin Roll, 1916-2015
Date of birth: October 5, 1916
Place of Birth: Pittsburgh, PA
Investiture: July 13, 1936
Temporary Profession: July 14, 1937
Perpetual Profession: July 14, 1940
Ordination: May 28, 1942
Date of death: January 5, 2015
Burial: St. Augustine Cemetery, Millvale, PA
I've worn out some automobiles
and many more Guardian Angels.
God has been so good to me.
Who has it better than I do? Nobody!
the local crew of confreres,
to bring him back to life for real
after weeks of adulation
and pampering from Christian Mothers
who whispered with reverence
his name in full:
Father Bertin Roll,
the national director
of the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers.
Thus began the tribute to our confrere by Fr. Bonaventure Stefun, OFM Cap., written on his hearing of the death of our brother "Bert. "National Director was Bertin Roll's job title and his life's work. Except for the 26 years necessary to grow up, go to school, join the Capuchin Order and become a priest, Bertin pretty much lived to work for the Christian Mothers, the longest term of any friar in any one ministry “ 61 years “ finishing off with another 10 years as Director Emeritus. Could any friar ever have been assigned to one friary for so many years? After 71 years in a ministry, how did he remain so committed and enthusiastic?
Word from the Novices
The Capuchin Novitiate Family 2014-2015
The Capuchin novices of North America are now into their third month of the novitiate year in Santa Ynez, CA, and have weighed in with ther first edition of the Caperone, the periodic magazine they publish to let us know what's happening among them.
Fr. Edward Laurent, 1931-2014
Our brother, Fr. Ed Laurent, OFM Cap., died on July 15, 2014, at Villa de Marillac in Pittsburgh, PA, one day after celebrating his 83rd Birthday. A member of the St. Augustine Fraternity in Pittsburgh, PA, Fr. Ed, at his request, was taken to UPMC Shadyside Hospital on Friday, July 11, remaining there over the weekend. His doctor decided that he would benefit from physical and occupational therapy at nearby Villa De Marillac where he was transferred on his birthday.
Harrisburg & York friars work with new Bishop
Provincial Minister, David Nestler, OFM Cap., was in Harrisburg, PA, for the installation of the new bishop, Ronald Gainer and reports that all the friars working in the diocese were present for the occasion. Harrisburg friars John Bednarik, Orlando Reyes, Michael Rubus and Stephen Shin joined our York brothers Lou Petruha, John McCloskey, Jim Menkhus and Zenon Maszczyk.
Fr. Mark Pattock and WYD 2013
The following article was published in the Pttsburgh Tribune Review. It highlights our brother Mark's work with the group from St. Mary Parish in Herman, PA, who experienced World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.
___________________________
Rio trip promises spiritual enrichment
for Herman teen, youth worldwide
By Rick Wills
Published: Saturday, July 20, 2013 , 9:00 p.m.
Updated: Friday, July 26, 2013
Holly Schnur's first trip out of the country will be to Rio de Janeiro, where she will attend World Youth Day, a large gathering of Catholic youth.
“I am so excited. I cannot wait. I think it will be a shock. It's going to be very spiritual and very tiring,†said Schnur, 18, of Herman, one of 15 pilgrims from St. Mary of Assumption Church in Herman who will attend the massive event.
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