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In
Search of the Spirit
A
monthly letter from the Glenmary Vocation Office
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March
2003
A
Personal Tribute to Father Bob Berson
By
Father Steve Pawelk
Death
has entered the Glenmary community for a third time
since January. On Ash Wednesday, Father Bob Berson died
of natural causes at age 78. His death follows closely
the deaths of Brother George Sauer (Jan. 9) and Father
Jim Wilmes (Feb. 7). It is as if God is filling heaven
with Glenmary saints to intercede for the success of
our mission task on earth.
Each
of these men made a positive contribution to Glenmary
in the name of Jesus Christ. Yet Father Bob is the man
I know best since I lived and worked with him twice
during my years in Glenmary. This, therefore, is a small
tribute to Father Bob and how he touched my life and
inspired me as a Glenmarian. May he inspire you as well!
The
first time I met Father Bob was the winter of 1979,
and it was also my first contact with Glenmary. I am
sure he would not remember it. I was all of 19 and in
a crowd of over 50 young men passing through Cincinnati
on our way to volunteer at the Glenmary Farm in Vanceburg,
Ky., on college break.
Before
we left Cincinnati for our week of volunteer service
in Appalachia, Father Bob, then in his second term as
president of Glenmary, spoke to us. He was a tall man
with a strong voice. He encouraged us to be open to
the spirit and to represent the Catholic church well
during this week of service. He thanked us for our generosity.
His talk was maybe all of five minutes, but I remember
it well.
My
next encounter with Father Bob was in Lewisburg, Tenn.,
in the spring of 1983. He came for the dedication of
a new church in this Glenmary mission. I had completed
college and was doing a three-month volunteer placement
in this mission as well as its neighboring mission in
Shelbyville. But since the new church in Lewisburg was
to be dedicated the month after I was to leave, I requested
to stay another month.
Father
Bob, now near the end of his second term as president,
encouraged me in my vocation. Though not a man of public
emotion, I was impressed with his obvious love for the
rural mission people that Glenmary serves. It was shortly
thereafter that I made my formal application to Glenmary.
During
my years as a Glenmary student, Father Bob and I had
many intellectual discussions. He was a man full of
ideas, always willing to explore new possibilities.
Through the grace of God, I was assigned to assist him
in Russellville, Ala., during the summer before my master’s
exams. During this summer, Father Bob became an important
mentor in my life. We regularly reflected together on
the theology I was studying. He helped me apply my studies
to the work and mission of Glenmary.
He
loved people, and together we attended many socials.
I will never forget tasting my first squid with him
at a party given by Filipinos living in this mission
area.
He
was a helpful friend to so many of the poor and mentally
ill of the area. He was steady, thoughtful and open
to each person.
At
times, we could have a very heated discussion about
some intellectual topic and end up disagreeing strongly.
But then we would go to the local Speedy Pig to eat—differences
of opinion giving way to more important human considerations.
My
good fortune continued when I was reassigned to serve
with him in Russellville during my six months of deaconate.
That’s when we bonded for life. During this time,
he allowed me to succeed and fail on my own merit. Never
was I belittled or treated as less than the man I was.
We
enjoyed parish picnics, softball and volleyball. I was
given the freedom to begin Bible study as well as primary
evangelization in the Red Bay mission. Together we shared
in liturgy, preaching and home visits.
And
he taught me about some very practical matters that
you would never get in theology:
• “Check the bathroom toilets before leaving.
If the water is running, it will be a huge bill.”
Likewise, “Turn off the lights.”
• “Don’t do more than you can do.”
• “Always be prepared to preach; you do not
know when or where you will be asked.”
Father
Bob was proud to tell this story about his early mission
work in Dungannon, Va. He wrote a book that was basically
true, with just a few name changes. The publisher replied
that the characters and events were too far-fetched
to be believed. He would chuckle and say, “that
is the reality of Glenmary, beyond the belief of most.”
Father
Bob loved Glenmary district meetings--and to play cards.
He enjoyed the interaction of the men and the swapping
of stories. That’s where we would see his wit and
humor emerge. Even in simple tasks such as cooking and
doing dishes, many stories of the day were exchanged.
His mind was always open, exploring new insights, new
ideas and new ways for doing mission better.
Watching
Father Bob suffer with Parkinson’s disease was
becoming harder and harder for me to bear. This strong
and intelligent man, whom I respected so much, was having
his body crippled bit by bit. Yet his mind and spirit
remained strong. His bravery and his faith in the face
of his illness were his final inspiration for me. He
still liked to be included at the card table. He was
still exploring new options for Glenmary. Despite his
struggles, he continued to enjoy life.
In
my last two years as vocation director, I spent a good
bit of time passing through our Cincinnati headquarters.
Father Bob and I would often take time out to reflect
on my work and world events. I always looked forward
to seeking him out for advice and counsel. I always
encouraged prospects to visit with him to learn about
Glenmary history and Glenmary’s founder. Father
Bob Berson was a wonderful mentor and inspiration to
me and to many. He will be missed.
Now
that Father Bob is in heaven, I feel confident he will
continue to intercede on behalf of the Glenmary Home
Missioners whom he served so faithfully. I am sure he
has already heard these words of Jesus in person: “Well
done, my good and faithful servant.”
Father
Bob, thanks for everything!
