1939-2017
Words of Remembrance for Brother James Bednar, FSC
Mass of Christian Burial
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
Baltimore, MD
May 20, 2017
Given by Brother Joseph Kines, FSC
On behalf of Brother James Bednar’s family, his sister Ann, his brother Leonard, his nephews John and Brian, and the Christian Brothers, thank you for coming today to celebrate Brother James’ presence in our lives.
James Bednar was born in Hazelton, PA on July 18, 1939, amid the rising turmoil that eventually lead into the Second World War. He entered the Brothers’ novitiate in October, 1960 and in February, 1961 he received the habit and name Brother Gabriel Alphonsus. He completed his studies at La Salle University, Philadelphia, in 1966, majoring in French.
After completing assignments in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Brother James entered our Holy Family Community for an extended time of convalescence. In 1981 he returned to Calvert Hall, Baltimore, where he remained as teacher and attendance moderator until, in 2009, he retired to the community residence serving as sacristan.
We truly have a vivid example, in Brother James’ life, of the suffering servant for the greater glory of God. Quiet, uncomplaining, peacefully accepting all the difficult physical infirmities sent his way, he always remained faithful to his God, spending long hours of prayer in the community chapel.
As the years slowly drained his physical ability to do even the smallest self-reliant tasks, he nonetheless struggled to maintain a sense of independence and strove to be a useful member of the Brothers’ community.
He was a true son of Saint La Salle.
For Brother James’ life, for our students, faculty, staff and all present here today:
“Live Jesus in our hearts!”
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Brother James Bednar, FSC
Born James Robert Bednar in Hazelton, PA, on July 18, 1939
Entered the Ammendale, MD, Novitiate on October 1, 1960
Received the Religious Habit and Name, Brother Gabriel Alphonsus, on February 1, 1961
Pronounced Perpetual Vows in Adamstown, MD, on June 9, 1967
Died at De La Salle Hall, Lincroft, NJ, on May 16, 2017
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:
Thursday, May 18, 2016
De La Salle Hall
810 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738-1608
Viewing from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, May 20, 2016
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
8501 Loch Raven Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21286
Viewing from 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am
Brother James has chosen cremation.
Burial will be private in the Brothers’ Cemetery, Ammendale, MD
SUFFRAGES FOR OUR DECEASED BROTHER JAMES:
District: 50 masses
De La Salle Hall community: 30 masses
Each community in the District: 1 mass
Brother James died unexpectedly, but peacefully, in the early afternoon at De La Salle Hall. May he rest in peace.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1962-1966
Elkins Park, PA
Anselm Hall
scholasticate
1966-1977
Washington, D.C.
St. John’s College H S
teacher
1972-1972
Washington, D.C.
St. John’s College H S
teacher and community director
1972-1975
Washington, D.C.
St. John’s College HS
teacher and community sub-director
1977-1978
Baltimore, MD
Calvert Hall College HS
teacher
1978-1979
Philadelphia, PA
West Catholic Boys HS
teacher
1979-1981
Ammendale, MD
Holy Family Community
convalescence
1981-2016
Baltimore, MD
Calvert Hall College HS
teacher; attendance
2016-2017
Lincroft, NJ
De La Salle Hall
resident