Bishop Buddy Scrapbook 1936-37 (1)

KANSAS CITY,

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1937

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r 9't~..-....~~......~~~-~-..---..------..- The Simple Priestly Priest Who Became an r Same Sterling Qualities that made Father Johannes Loved and Respected by Parishioners and Neighbors in his home city, later won Bishop Johannes, a stranger, the Loyalty and Devotion of an entire Diocese. ' f O~tstanding Bishop.

IWILL LIVE ON AS CHARITY APOSTLE Influence of Bishop Johannes Not Dead, Bishop Buddy Says in Sermon. Touching Farewell at Funeral in Cathedral to Former Pastor - and Friend. Bishop Francis Johannes is dead but the influence of his ll!e still lives, and he will be hailed among the former chief shepherds of the Leaven- worth Diocese as the "Apostle of Char- ity," said Bishop Charles F. Buddy of San Diego in his sermon in the Leavenworth Cathedral \Vednesday morning at the funeral of Bishop Jo• hannes. Bishop Duddy was a boy in Immaculate Conception parish, St. Joseph, when Bishop Johannes was pastor there. In part, Bishop Buddy said: "How often the walls of this Cathe- dral have rung with hiR eloquence, pleading the cause of the Savior- justice and truth, plentiful redemp- tion for all. But now those lips are sealed forever and Instead of being seated on his throne where for nine years he presided in regal splendor, his remains lie motionless before the altar while bishops, priests and people are brought low and in mourning. "In my last visit with him less than two months ago, your beloved bishop and my li[e long friend, robed in his garb of a prince of the Church, spoke in tones of affection never to be for- gotten words of hope and encourage• ment. Today, behold hitn clothed in the majesty of death. 'Ecce Sacerdos magnus' ... 'Behold the high priest who in his day was pleasing to God and was found just.' "Would that someone else !lad been chosen to recall the beautiful lesson of his life and deeds. For one who loved him dearly this is indeed a try- ing ordeal. Let It be offered then in union with the prayers of my brother priests and as an act of filial devotion-together with the gracious tribute of so many prelates of the Church and the worthy representation from officials of the state and city. "In His divine providence God chose for Francis Johannes a home ac- quainted with poverty, suffering and privation but where the light of Faith burned brightly under the inspiration of good and virtuous parents. In this first school he learned by example to love God and Him only to serve. Even in those early clays the Immaculate Conception church in St. Joseph, Mo., provided a parochial school, the first of its kind in that city. The saintly p::.s•cr, • f , l!l'\or Li -: ·ar.ip, "°':."" memory i still held in benediction. recognizing the talent and piety of young Francis. gave him every op- portunity for cle,elopment. "Completing elementary branches under those splendid educators. the Sisters of St. Joseph of Coronclolet, the future priest and bishop took up academic and collegiate studies In St. Benedict's College, Atchison, where he distinguished himself for steadfast- ness of purpose and a love of learning. It is consoling to see here today so many Benedictine Fathers represent• Ing that grand old college which has made it possible for humtreds of as- pirants to the sacred priesthood to pursue their studies. Says the Holy Ghost: 'Blessed are they who do and teach, they shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.'

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"The rector and faculty of St. Fran- cis Seminary in Milwaukee saw gifts of leadership in Francis Johannes and appointed him prefect during his years in that institution. A brilliant course in philosophy and theology prepared him for the priesthood and soon the long looked for day of clays arrived when the young Levite consecrated all the powers of body and soul to the service of Jesus Christ. "My clear friends, it is difficult for any one of us to realize the awful re- sponsibility of that final step when, by ordination, mere man is endued with power from on High to offer the adorable Sacrifice of the Mass, to administer the sacraments, to preach the Word of Goel. "Fortified with the sublime prerog- atives of these God given powers Father Johannes turned his hand to the plow and never looked backward. If you were to ask what was the under• lying motive that made him a great patriot and a great churchman de- voted to the best interests of God and country, my answer would be that he lived always in the presence of God. On that substantial foundation his life was reared and out of that unity came the trinity of virtues-humility, justice and charity-that dominated his every action, that made him so be- loved, of God and man, that enabled him to stand four square to all the winds that blew. Well poised and deliberate, his bearing like his life was upright. His achievements were but the fruits of this great tree. "The priests of the Leavenworth Diocese will cherish his memory as their kindly shepherd and Father in Christ. But we priests of St. Joseph know him best as the ideal priest. Indeed, he was the glory of the priest• hood. As must needs be, we had our share of trials and sorrows in our day, but no matter how many of us proved unworthy, we could always point to Father Johannes as the faithful exponent of the priesthood, the man of prayer, the Alter Christus and the Vir Del. "We marveled at the long hours he kept vigil in the confessional, where mercy and hope abounded and where every penitent felt the grace 'to be reconciled to God.' How well he exem- plified the charity of Christ as fore- told by the Prophet-'The bruised reed he shall not break and the smoking flax he shall not quench ' He had been sent to teach the Gospel to the poor- to heal the contrite of heart. In each function of his sacred office whether-

This is Father Francis Johannes, pastor of Immacu- !ate Conception parish, St. Joseph, Mo., as he appea1·ed m December of 1927 when he was appointed Bishop of the Leavenworth D10cese. He had spent practically all l of. his life in the one parish, including thirty years as a pr1est.-Catholic Register Photos.

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at a marriage feast or at the bedside or the dying, his presence brought in· spiration for the better things. "But the outstanding constructive work of his life was that of teacher. As a true ambassador, he spoke the Word of God with all the eloquence and conviction 'of one having power . . . going, therefore, teach ye all na- tions, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to ob- serve all things whatsoever I have commanded you . . . For I give you to understand, Brethren, that the Gospel which was preached unto you is not according to man; for neither did I receive it of man, nor did l learn it; but by the re,elation of Jesus Christ.'

"The eloquence of Bishop Johannes brought many souls to the truth. He literally carried out the injunction of St. Paul: 'Preach the ·word; be in- Rtaut in season, out of season; re- prove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine.' With the ideal of Christ ever before his mind, the great teach· er we are laying to rest ne,er lost sight of his mission. Where force of argument failed to conYince his priest- ly life compelled respect so that like his divine Master he could challenge the whole world. 'Which of you shall convince me of sin?"