Today the Archdiocese sent the sad news of the death of Bishop John Jukes OFM Conv who died this morning. Bishop Jukes ordained me to the priesthood in 1984. He kept in touch from time to time during his retirement with his robust and blunt approach to ecclesiastical matters. He was a man you could talk to straight from the shoulder. May God reward his many years of labour in the vineyard. Requiescat in pace.
5 comments:
Father just a comment to say that Bishop John Jukes was a Conventual Franciscan (OFM conv), a Grey Friar not a Cappuchin. He made an unusual but prophetic decision after his retirement as a Bishop: he asked to be sent to Scotland, near Aberdeen, to be a simple parish priest of a tiny catholic community. A very strong example for those who want to be really pastors, where there is the need of a priest to celebrate mass, (even if bishops!)
I remember talking to him about 15 years ago - he gave me some of the best and down to earth advice I have ever received about vocation.
I didn't follow it at the time but now I can see the wisdom in what he said to me.
May he rest in peace.
Fr AR - many thanks for your correction. I have amended the post.
I agree with you that Bishop Jukes gave good example by returning to simple parish ministry in his retirement.
I met him years ago when I was a seminarian. My great uncle, Fr. Godfrey Wolf was Custos of the English Province of the Conventuals and he told me an amusing story about being sent off to Rome to study. I will remember him at Mass this morning.
Bp John was exemplary in welcoming former Anglicans into the Church in the early 90s. I know he wanted to do more than was then possible to keep clergy and people together in groups, such as has now been made policy through Anglicanorim Coetibus. He received me at the Easter Vigil at Strood in 1994.
In his retirement he also advised on the setting up of a the Society of St Justin Martyr.
+ Requiescat in pace.
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