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Fr. Stephen A. Meder, SJ, who served as a Jesuit librarian for many years, died on December 21, 2009 in Pontiac, Michigan, at the age of 98. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Fr. Meder was born on September 2, 1911 to John and Anna Meder. He attended St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and entered the Jesuits the summer after his high school graduation on August 27, 1930. During his formation Fr. Meder taught at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, and St. Ignatius High School in Chicago (now Saint Ignatius College Prep). He was ordained to the priesthood on June 16, 1943, at the former West Baden College in West Baden Spring, Indiana. He then went on to serve as a teacher and librarian at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1955 Fr. Meder moved to St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio, where he served as a librarian until 1963. In that year he moved to Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan, where he served as Librarian adding to these duties those of Minister in 1989. It was in these capacities that Fr. Meder served for the rest of his life. “I have wonderful memories of our uncle Father Steve,” recalls Fr. Meder’s niece Jean Meder of Holland, Michigan. “He was such a joy to be around. He always had a smile on his face. He would visit our family and always took a bus all the way into his later years. He was truly a wonderful inspiration to anyone who knew him and he will be missed.” Memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:
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Father Clement C. Metzger, SJ, pastor and spiritual director, died on December 16, 2009, at the age of 75. Born in Shelby, Ohio, on June 26, 1934, Fr. Metzger entered the Society of Jesus on September 1, 1952, at the Novitiate in Milford, Ohio. He was ordained on June 17, 1965, at Colombiere College in Clarkston, Michigan, and pronounced final vows on November 6, 1972, at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Fr. Metzger taught at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio, from 1959 to 1962 and at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, from 1966 to 1978, where he also served as counselor and vice rector. Beginning in 1978 he worked as a chaplain at several correctional facilities in Ohio and Michigan until 1985. Fr. Metzger went on to serve as associate pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Toledo, Ohio (1985-1986); substitute pastor in parishes in the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan (1986-1988); and Pastor of Gesu Parish in Toledo, Ohio (1988-1998). In 2000 Fr. Metzger moved to the Jesuit Retreat House in Parma, Ohio, where he served as director of the retreat house and as a retreat Director until 2008. Upon finishing his ministry at the Jesuit Retreat House, he went to work as a spiritual director for clergy and religious for the Cleveland Diocese from August 2008 until December 2009. On December 11, 2009 Fr. Metzger retired to Colombiere Center. “Fr. Clem was an inspiration to me always,” recalls Mary Jo Lupica, who worked with Fr. Metzger at the Jesuit Retreat House for seven years. “When you looked at Fr. Clem, you could see the face of Christ. He was the most humble, kind, holy and inspirational person I have ever been privileged to have known. My children just loved him. I believe my oldest son's desire to be a priest one day is partly attributed to Fr. Clem's example.” Memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:
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Fr. Paul H. Besanceney, SJ, former provincial of both the Detroit Province and the East Africa Province, died on October 28, 2009. As a leader in both provinces, Fr. Besanceney was known as a great scholar and educator. “He was well known for his firmness mingled with gentleness,” says Fr. Binamungu Faustine Mukasa, SJ, of Monze, Zambia. “He was strict but fare and truly Jesuit in his decisions.” Fr. Besanceney was 85 years old. Born in Toledo, Ohio, on February 10, 1924, Fr. Besanceney entered the Society of Jesus on June 1, 1943, at the Novitiate in Milford, Ohio. He was ordained June 13, 1956, at West Baden College in Indiana and pronounced final vows on August 15, 1960. In 1950 for his regency, Fr. Besanceney taught at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio, for his first year, moving to Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois, for his second. After completing his Theology studies at West Baden College in 1957 and an MA in Sociology from Michigan State University in 1963, Fr. Besanceney was assigned as a professor of Sociology at John Carroll University. In 1968 he was called upon to serve as the coordinator of the Jesuit Sociological Survey for the Detroit Province, returning to John Carroll in 1969. In 1971 Fr. Besanceney was appointed provincial of the Detroit Province, becoming the province’s fourth provincial. At the end of his term as provincial in 1977, he went on to work as a researcher at the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) in Washington, DC. In 1980 Fr. Besanceney went to Africa, serving at St. Paul’s National Major Seminary in Nairobi, Kenya. In 1988 he was once again appointed provincial, this time of the Eastern Africa Province. He remained in this position until 1994. "It is quite an honor for an outsider, particularly an American, to become a provincial in a foreign environment,” says Fr. Robert Scullin, who served as the ninth provincial of the Detroit province from 2001 to 2008. “Father Besanceney must have won their minds and hearts. He is a very traditional leader, in the very best sense of the word." >After his provincialate Fr. Besanceney remained in Eastern Africa, teaching at St. Paul’s National Major Seminary and later writing at Loyola House in Nairobi until June 2009, when he retired to Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan. “Paul is fondly remembered by most of the young priests who where young Jesuits when he was the provincial of Eastern Africa,” says Fr. Joseph Aduor Afulo, SJ, of Nairobi, Kenya. “He is a person who embraced the Ignatian spirit of caring for fellow Jesuits.” “He was strict but fare and truly Jesuit in his decisions as a provincial,” recalls Fr. Mukasa. “The young Jesuits of the province at the time will always remember Fr. Paul for how he labored to ensure that they felt at home in the Society. Fr. Paul has run and completed his race successfully. Members of Eastern Africa, especially those who had the privilege to be led by him, will always remember him for his contribution to the then young province. May God reward him for his generous labor for the Society.” Memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:
To make an online donation, click here.
Born January 5, 1921, in Cincinnati, Fr. Grollig is survived by his dear sister Sr. Alma Grollig, SNDdeN, of Wyoming, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his dear brother Fr. Francis X. Grollig, SJ. Memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:
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Fr. Thomas J. Bain, SJ, died on October 7, 2009. Fr. Bain was 84 years old and is survived by his dear sister Ann Marie Gadus. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Fr. Bain was born to Veronica and Walter Bain on December 8, 1925. He attended Good Shephard Grade School and Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio. Fr. Bain entered the Society of Jesus on August 20, 1943 at the former novitiate in Milford, Ohio. Before he was ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 1956, Fr. Bain had earned a degree in Philosophy and Theology from West Baden College in West Baden Springs, Indiana, and an M.A. in Sociology from St. Louis University. He taught at St. Ignatius High School (now Saint Ignatius College Prep) in Chicago from 1950 to 1952. Father Bain was assistant principal at University of Detroit High School (UD High) from 1958 to 1959; principal at UD High from 1959 to 1961; principal at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland from 1961 to 1965; principal at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, from 1966 to 1970; and vice rector at Walsh from 1967 to 1970. In 1970 he returned to UD High and served as principal until 1973. From 1974 to 1978 he returned to Walsh High School as teacher, counselor and assistant principal. Fr. Bain became associate pastor of Gesu Parish in Toledo, Ohio, from 1978 to 1981; pastor of St. John’s and campus minister in Marquette, Michigan, from 1981 to 1986; and pastor of St. Isaac Jogues in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, from 1986 to 1992. From 1993 to 1995 Fr. Bain was chaplain of alumni and development at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1995 he became counselor until he retired to Colombiere Center in 2004. “He had many years of administration,” says Fr. Glenn Williams, SJ. “I think everyone knows that to be a successful administrator one has to have a pleasant personality and an ability to deal calmly with various sorts of persons in various sorts of situations, some of them real emergencies.” Fr. Williams went on to say that he never saw Fr. Bain flustered or anxious, no matter what the circumstance. He always spoke gently and kindly, while still maintaining the authority which was his. Memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:
To make an online donation, click here.
Fr. John D. Baggarly, SJ, accomplished scholar and teacher, died September 2, at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, MI, at the age of 83. Fr. Baggarly is survived by his brother Charles Baggarly. “We constantly talk about the Jesuit commitment to the intellectual apostolate,” says Fr. Edward W. Schmidt, SJ, former provincial of the Chicago Province. “John embodied that commitment.” Memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:
To make an online donation, click here.
Father William F. King, SJ, died on Thursday, August 20, 2009 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. Born in Akron, Ohio, on May 27, 1926, he entered the Society of Jesus on February 10, 1944 at the former novitiate in Milford, Ohio. Fr. King was ordained June 19, 1957, at West Baden College, West Baden Springs, Indiana. He pronounced his final vows on August 15, 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio. Memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:
To make an online donation, click here.
Fr. James J. Donnelly, SJ, A resident of Nepal for 48 of his 50 years as a Jesuit, died on Monday, August 17 in Kathmandu, Nepal. He recently celebrated his 80th birthday on August 5. Preceded in death by his brothers John T. Donnelly and Dr. Lawrence Donnelly, Fr. Donnelly is survived by his sisters-in-law Beatrice (Lawrence) Donnelly and Winifred (John) Donnelly as well as many beloved family and friends. His funeral was held at Assumption Church in Dhobighat, Nepal, on Monday August 17. It was attended by more than 1,000 people. Video of Fr. Donnelly’s funeral can be seen here. Memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:
To make an online donation, click here.
Fr. J. Richard VandeVelde, SJ, long time Loyola University Chicago professor who also served as business manager of Company magazine, died on Tuesday August 11. Fr. VandeVelde was 74 years old, and is survived by his brother Gerald VandeVelde. A fixture of the Loyola University community, this year Fr. VandeVelde celebrated 56 years in the Society of Jesus. “He was one of the great men of our province,” says Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ, who got to know Fr. VandeVelde while living with him at the Arrupe Jesuit Community at Loyola University. “With a doctorate in math from the University of Chicago, ‘Vande’ could theorize with the best of them, but he was a scholar with his feet on the ground.” Memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:
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Fr. Robert C. O’Connor, SJ, long time teacher and pastor, died on Saturday, May 23, 2009, in Clarkston, Michigan. Fr. O’Connor was born on Chicago’s South Side on March 3, 1927, to Arthur J. and Mary O’Connor and was baptized at Saint Sabina Church. After attending John W. Cook grade school and Calumet High School, Fr. O’Connor served in the United States Army Air Force as a weather observer from 1945–1947. He then attended theChicago Musical College from 1947–1949. In 1949 he enrolled at Loyola University Chicago, graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science. Fr. O’Connor entered the Jesuits at the former novitiate at Milford, Ohio, in 1955. He completed his study of philosophy and theology at the former West Baden College in Indiana from 1958–1964, as well as studies in theology in North Aurora, Illinois, from 1964–1965. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 14, 1964. Fr. O’Connor is perhaps best known as a long time teacher. “He was a French teacher much beloved and respected by his students. Although he could be very strict, as necessary,” remembers Mr. Edward Hausfeld, who taught with Fr. O’Connor during his time at St. Xavier High School. “He greeted everyone with a smile and personal greeting and displayed a sense of humor which we all cherished.” Fr. O’Connor was first assigned to teach at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago in 1960. In 1966 he joined the faculty of St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, where he taught French, Latin, Speech, and Theology until 1993. “Bob was a hard-worker,” recalls Fr. Dennis Ahern, SJ, who also taught with Fr. O’Connor at St. Xavier High School. “He always demanded a lot from his students. As a result when they left St. Xavier, they knew French, and they loved him. They would always come back to see him. Because he was a taskmaster, his students carried what he taught with them.” While teaching at St. Xavier, Fr. O’Connor also made time for extra-curricular activities. “He was an avid tennis player who coached for many years and played tennis several times a week at a local tennis club,” says Fr. Ahern. “He always was very careful about his appearance. He was a gentleman.” In 1997, Fr. O’Connor was assigned as assistant pastor at St. Xavier Church in downtown Cincinnati. “After so many years of teaching French at St. Xavier High School, “Pere O'Connor” generously gave himself to working at St. Xavier Church presiding at Masses, hearing confessions, and meeting with parishioners and people from the street who would drop in at the parish office,” recalls Fr. Robert Thesing, SJ, former Pastor of St. Xavier Church. “His faith and love for the Eucharist were always evident in the way he celebrated the liturgy.” He served at St. Xavier Church in various capacities until moving to Colombiere Center in October of 2008. “Father O'Connor was a kind and gentle man who always wore a smile on his face,” remembers Mrs. Diane Roden, who works as the office manager at St. Xavier Church. “As a younger priest, counselor, teacher and friend, he always enjoyed our gatherings, whether a family wedding or other occasions, dining in our home or out,” says Mrs. Lucille Vehr, a long time parishioner of St. Xavier Church. “Besides good food he liked good music and occasionally dancing. He was great at the Jitter Bug.” “I find it hard to realize that Fr. Bob is no longer with us,” says Mr. Hausfeld. “He lives on as a vibrant memory in our hearts at St. Xavier.” Memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:
To make an online donation, click here.
Fr.
John K. Locke, SJ, a Jesuit from the Chicago Province, scholar,
and pillar of the Jesuits of Nepal died on March 18, 2009, at B
& B Hospital in Kathmandu at the age of 76. He is survived by
his dear sister Mary Jean Miller of Waukee, Iowa, and cousin Sally
Latta of West Des Moines, Iowa. Fr. Locke is recently preceded in
death by friend and fellow Nepal Jesuit Fr. Ludwig F. Stiller, SJ.
“John was an outstanding Jesuit, a scholar, a wonderful human
being, and a friend,” recalls Fr. Leo P. Cachat, SJ.
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Fr. Ludwig F. Stiller, SJ, served as teacher, minister, scholar, and friend to the people of Nepal until his death on March 10, 2009, at Norvic Hospital in Kathmandu. “In many ways, Lud Stiller seemed to be indestructible. He was strong and had a keen mind. He used both unstintingly in the service of God and his adopted country, Nepal,” remembers Fr. Gerald A. Drinane, SJ. Fr. Stiller was born on August 24, 1928, in Salem, Ohio. Before joining the Jesuits he was a seminarian at St. Meinrad’s in Indiana and completed his first two years of college there. He then served in the US Army as an MP (Military Police) at Manila from 1946 to 1947. Fr. Stiller entered the Society at the former novitiate in Milford, Ohio, on August 18, 1949. He was appointed to Nepal in 1953. However, due to the visa problem at the time, he first completed his philosophy studies at West Baden College in Indiana (closed in 1964). He then came to Nepal in 1956 for two years of regency at St. Xavier’s Godavari School in Kathmandu before coming to India for theology at St. Mary’s at Kurseong in India from 1959 to 1963. Bishop Augustine Francis Wildermuth, SJ, ordained him for priestly service March 19, 1962. Fr. Stiller’s sister Mary came for his ordination. He completed his tertianship in Sitagarha from 1963 to 1964. In 1964 he returned to Nepal and served as minister at St. Xavier’s Godavari School for two years, founding the now famous Godavari Alumni Association. Meanwhile, he earned his BA and PhD in History from Tribhuvan University, becoming one of the pillars of the Research Center. He wrote several important books on the History of Nepal, notably The Rise of the House of Gorkha. “He was an exceptional scholar digging out the historical records of Nepal—this is not like working in the Vatican Library. The stuff is hidden, hard to find, and remote. His life was a lonely journey but he found companionship with Jesus,” recalls Fr. Thomas S. Acker, SJ. “The death of Lud Stiller is the culmination of an exceptional life lived for the Lord and Nepal.” Over the years he continued writing, but his research took him more and more into the villages of the real Nepal, and with the help of German aid agencies, he did much to improve the lives of the people he encountered there. “Though he appeared tough, he had a soft heart, especially for the poor of Nepal,” says Fr. Drinane. In recent years, he began to slow down. He finally moved the Jawalakhel community, where he was closer to medical aid and community support. “Lud had a wry sense of humor, and often expressed this in puns and jokes,” Fr. Drinane says. “He will be remembered as a loyal companion and sincere Jesuit. May he receive a great reward from the Lord he served so well.” Memorial gifts may be made to the Jesuit Partnership or the Jesuit International Missions by writing or calling:
To make an online donation, click here.
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