Remembering late Bro. Bernard Heaney C.Ss.R. “A Happy Redemptorist Brother”

0
218

As we celebrate the 300th birth Centenary of  St. Gerard we would like to spotlight on different brothers within our congregation aims to celebrate their unique contributions, deepen our appreciation for the vocation of the brother, and draw inspiration from their lives of service, simplicity, and faith.

St. Gerard Majella was a Redemptorist brother, born on April 6, 1726, in Muro Lucan, Italy.  His life is an inspiring story of faith, humility, and service. Throughout his life, St. Gerard exemplified selflessness. He devoted himself to the poor and the sick, embodying the Redemptorist mission of serving those in need. His dedication and kindness left a lasting impact on the communities he served.

In reflecting the life of St. Gerard Majella, we are called to embrace the joy of our vocation, our compassion for the abandoned and our missionary zeal. As Redemptorists, we continue to find new ways to remain relevant in our day and age. His examples encourage us to find happiness not just in our lives but in contributing positively to the lives of others in our everyday pastoral activities.

Such was the life of our late confrere, Bro. Bernard Heaney C.Ss.R. born in England spent most of his life in Singapore, who passed away in 2017. On his 60th anniversary of his religious profession, he said, “I feel incredibly happy and thankful to God who has given me 60th Years. I feel very fulfilled in my vocation as a Redemptorist. I have no regrets at all.” 

He joined the Redemptorist at the age of eighteen. He had a very cheeky smile and affable ways which can be disarming. He happily recounted how St. Gerard inspired him in his vocation, and he responded to the call and joined the Redemptorists.

Barney, as Bro Bernard was affectionately called by his fellow Redemptorists, found fulfilment in bringing joy to others and devoted his time to the well-being of the devotees who come to the Novena Church. No matter how pre-occupied he was, he always had time for others. Many will remember his dedication to the ‘Sowers’ ministry, nurturing and guiding them in their weekly outreach, to the nursing homes and the migrants. Also, he was influential with another ministry, ‘Agape’ whose members cleaned the church every Saturday after the Novenas to our Mother of Perpetual Help, which garners countless people, many of whom are non-Catholics to this day.

Even when he retired from active ministry, many people came to visit him. Many of whom were members from the ministries that Bro Bernard looked after, like the Sowers and Agape.  

Like St Gerard Majella, Bro Bernard taught us the value of faith, humility, and service to others as he lived out his life.  

We thank you Barney for your love, dedication to your vocation as a member of the Vice-Province of Singapore and Malaysia from1954 to 2017. You are appreciated for touching the lives of so many even till today. Rest in peace!

As we usher in the 300th year of the life of St Gerard Majella, we pray for more vocations, like Bro Bernard who was inspired by the life of St Gerard.

Bro. Celestine Toh C.Ss.R.
Asia-Oceania