April 2009         

 

I would like to write briefly this month about the first death in our community. Fr. Robert Stanion, one of our founders, passed away on March 23, 2009. Fr. Robert deeply touched thousands of people. He was an inspiration and example to all of us. There have been several unusual occurrences surrounding Fr. Robert's death and burial. Some of these stories will come out in the future. I will mention one thought in particular...

Fr. Robert was a tremendous example of the fruitfulness of a celibate vocation. As a priest and religious, Fr. Robert had many many spiritual children. It has been overwhelming to witness the outpouring of love and testimonies about Fr. Robert. His life of celibacy and chastity bore abundant spiritual fruit. At a time when so many are questioning celibacy, Fr. Robert stands as a shining example of a life given in real love. May he intercede for you as you discern the possibility of a religious vocation!

+ click here for photos from the New York wake & Requiem Mass

+ click here to read a eulogy by Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR

+ click here to read a eulogy by Fr. Herald Brock, CFR

+ If you would like to share a special memory or story about Fr. Robert, please send it to us at:

Fr. Robert Stanion, CFR, 61, one of the founding friars of the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR's), passed away on Monday, March 23, 2009, at noon in Las Vegas, Nevada. Robert Stanion was born on April 1, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts to Charles and Jean Stanion. He obtained his undergraduate degree at Fordham University in 1986 and his Master of Divinity at St. Joseph Seminary in 1992. Fr. Robert entered the Capuchin Franciscans (OFM Cap.) on March 18, 1966. He professed his perpetual vows as a Franciscan religious on May 8, 1972. Fr. Robert cofounded the CFR's in April 1987 in the Bronx, New York, and was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ on May 16, 1992, at St. Patrick's Cathedral. During his 43 years as a Franciscan religious, he served as a lay brother for 26 years, and as a priest for the past 17 years Fr. Robert is survived by his mother, Jean Stanion, as well as his siblings Dennis, James, Carol, Charlene, and Charles. Viewing and Services will be held at San Jose Parish, 2401 Broadway Blvd SE, in Albuquerque on Thursday, March 26, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., in the main church. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by a Memorial Mass at 7:00 p.m. A reception will follow at St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall, 820 Broadway Blvd SE. In lieu of flowers, the community kindly requests that donations be made to the CFR's for the ongoing work of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal at San Juan Diego Friary located in Albuquerque.