On Monday, March 23, one of our very much loved original friars, Fr. Robert Stanion, passed on to eternal life with Christ. Fr. Robert had been experiencing health difficulties for some time, and had surgery in January which resulted in a number of complications from which he never fully recovered. In the past few weeks, though, he had been improving and was transferred to a rehab facility, and so his death was unexpected. His is the first death in our still relatively new and young community. He is survived by his mother, and several sisters and brothers.
Fr. Robert was a quintessential Franciscan, an absolutely unique and joyful individual. He was known for his varied interests, which included Eastern Christianity, liturgy and icons, the saints, the charismatic renewal, Church history, cooking, gardening, rocks and gems. The mere mention of his name would bring a smile to the faces of those who knew him. He was an outgoing and gregarious person who touched the lives of many, many people, and drew them closer to Christ. He participated in numerous YOUTH 2OOO retreats throughout the country and the world, and spent countless hours ministering God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He was one of the original friars who established the community in 1987, and at different times he filled the roles of community vicar and community councilor.
He was a good personal friend. He accompanied me to the wedding of my brother when I was a novice, and visited my family in St. Marys, PA, where he is still fondly remembered. We were stationed together on several occasions, and in difficult moments he always had a sympathetic ear and an encouraging word. His death came as a shock; it's difficult to believe that he's gone, although I've already begun to ask for his prayers for several intentions.
He will be sorely missed, but has surely received a glorious welcome in the Kingdom of Christ, whom he served with great love, and from the saints whom he venerated and made known with unabashed enthusiasm. It must be one heck of a celebration!
Fr. Robert was a quintessential Franciscan, an absolutely unique and joyful individual. He was known for his varied interests, which included Eastern Christianity, liturgy and icons, the saints, the charismatic renewal, Church history, cooking, gardening, rocks and gems. The mere mention of his name would bring a smile to the faces of those who knew him. He was an outgoing and gregarious person who touched the lives of many, many people, and drew them closer to Christ. He participated in numerous YOUTH 2OOO retreats throughout the country and the world, and spent countless hours ministering God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He was one of the original friars who established the community in 1987, and at different times he filled the roles of community vicar and community councilor.
He was a good personal friend. He accompanied me to the wedding of my brother when I was a novice, and visited my family in St. Marys, PA, where he is still fondly remembered. We were stationed together on several occasions, and in difficult moments he always had a sympathetic ear and an encouraging word. His death came as a shock; it's difficult to believe that he's gone, although I've already begun to ask for his prayers for several intentions.
He will be sorely missed, but has surely received a glorious welcome in the Kingdom of Christ, whom he served with great love, and from the saints whom he venerated and made known with unabashed enthusiasm. It must be one heck of a celebration!
3 comments:
I knew Fr. Robert when I lived in Las Vegas. He was "perfect joy." Heaven is a happier place today.
Chris Leone, SFO
Eternal Memory Fr. Robert
Please continue to pray for us, and continue to bring us closer to God with great joy.
Fr. Bo Nahachewsky
Lloydminster, AB, Canada
The first time my daughter met her Uncle Bobby, she was about 6 months old & asleep in my lap. After we picked up, then Brother Bobby, she awoke between her Dad & Uncle. She looked at her Dad, then over to her Uncle & back and forth several times, in utter confusion! The two men could have been twins, not only brothers.
I had forgotten that memory, until my daughter called to tell me of his passing. He was a joy. He will be missed greatly by all of the people who loved him.
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