Franciscan Friar Louis (Patrick) Geelan, O.F.M.  

              

Franciscan Friar Louis (Patrick) Geelan, O.F.M., went to his eternal home on April 16, 2023 at the age of 88, after 66 years of religious life and 62 years of priesthood. Born on July 23, 1934, the son of Lillian (Mercier) and Louis Geelan and a brother to Mary Jane. He grew up in the Black Diamond district.

 

Louis and his dad were charter members of the first Men’s Retreat at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre in 1949. A year later he moved to St. Anthony’s College in Edmonton for high school and philosophy. He began his Novitiate with the Franciscans in 1956, professing his first vows in 1957. In March 1961 he professed his solemn vows and on May 27, 1961 he was ordained.

 

He ministered in Regina, Winnipeg, Trail, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, St. Michael’s Retreat, Lumsden, SK and Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, Cochrane. He also served as a chaplain to the Knights of Columbus and Secular Franciscans in several locations.

 

He was always pleased to tell he gave 252 units of blood and plasma over the years. He was known for his candle making, photography, story telling and his remarkable memory for names. His kind and gentle ways with his warm and welcoming smile are well remembered.

 

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Cochrane, AB at 2 pm. Burial and Reception to follow at Mount St. Francis.

 

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, Box 430, Cochrane, AB T4C 1A6

 

May he rest in peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easter Encounters    

                   – Br. Michael, ofm

Easter Encounters    

 

Easter Greetings!

Spending time with the Resurrection accounts this Easter week has allowed for pondering, insights and Easter Hope to settle in me and my journey. Along with Easter Hope comes Easter Joy which has been a reminder of Christ Risen always with us. As we continue into the Easter Season, I offer two poems. I will be taking a pause from posting reflections over the next several weeks. I pray Easter Hope and Joy continue to fill you and your homes during this season of new life.

 

Much peace and all good.

 

 

The Empty Tomb

The empty tomb

calls us to be

messengers of the good news

like Mary Magdalene.

The empty tomb

calls us to be

filled with awe

like the myrrh bearing women.

 

The empty tomb

calls us to be

heralds of hope

like Simon Peter.

The empty tomb

calls us to be

renewed in faith

like the disciple Thomas.

 

The empty tomb

calls us to be

dwellings of love

like the apostle John.

The empty tomb

calls us to be

sanctuaries of the Holy Spirit

like Mother Mary.

The empty tomb

calls us to

new life and new vision

now and for ever.

Amen.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Breaking Bread

In the breaking of the bread

love is strengthened

truth is poured out

relationship is restored.

In the breaking of the bread

our Saviour

our Redeemer

our Way is made known.

In the breaking of the bread

we become one

we are called to serve

we become messengers of hope.

In the breaking of the bread

Christ has died

Christ is Risen

Christ continuously comes to us.

In the breaking of the bread

community gathers

we celebrate and remember

gifts and graces of love outpoured.

In the breaking of the bread

we know for the life of the world.

In the breaking of the bread.

 

Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

Easter Blessings!

 

Photo Credits:

Bruno van der Kraan

Mike Kenneally

Rest in Peace Father Louis Geelan 

Rest in Peace Father Louis Geelan

 

Father Louis Geelan (1934-2023), Franciscan Friar

and long-time member of the Mount St. Francis Retreat Team

entered his eternal glory on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 16, 2023

at the age of 88, after 66 years of religious life and 62 years of priesthood.

 

Known for his gentleness, kindness, warm smile and welcoming ways,

he will be remembered.

 

Eternal rest grant to Friar Louis, O Lord;

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

 

Funeral arrangements to be announced

 

 

 

Easter: Life from Death

Br. Michael, ofm

Life is full of unknowns

death seems to lurk always near.

 

Life from death

does not make sense.

 

Yet the parable of the seed

gives insight into this reality.

 

Christ Jesus

crucified – died – buried

Risen from the dead

trampling death

bringing us life.

 

Life not as we know it

rather beyond what we can know.

 

With him we too rise

death although earthly has no real grip.

 

Continually on the journey

new life springs forth from what has died.

 

Christ Jesus

Risen from the dead

our fullness of life

we praise you

for defeating death.

 

Amen!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

 

 

Easter Blessings!

 

Photo Credit: Pisit Heng

 

Blessings of Peace at Easter Triduum

Br. Michael, ofm

We journey in these sacred days from

darkness to light,

table to garden,

cross to tomb,

despair to hope,

sorrow to joy,

Resurrection assured.

Peace and All Good to bless your home.

Easter Blessings and Greetings

from the Friars and Staff at Mount St. Francis