On April 5, 2024, my church lost the second in command: our Vicar-General, Bishop Jean.
She was a retired school teacher but also taught in our church. Many remember her as a counsellor, healing them when needed with her words of comfort. Some remember her as the person we answered to in our church over many matters. She was one of the teachers who taught us many things (especially homilies) in our pursuit of being a priest in our church.
Like I said, Jean was many things to many people, but she was also a wife, sister, stepmother, family member, and friend.
She was the one we turned to for homilies. I remember her saying red is good. Well, I must have been outstanding, as mine were mostly red. She worked with me. I think both of us knew I do have what it takes, but I am stubborn and admit to that. It wasn’t easy for either of us for me to get it done. For me, it was like fighting with sharks—the homilies, that is. She told me we would get those sharks down to minnows.
Jean prayed for many People, lit many candles for them, said Novenas for those who asked, read her daily office, and prayed the rosary. Speaking of rosaries, this is how I want to remember her.
We both love crafting. Jean would make rosaries and sell them on Etsy. She prayed over the beads as she made them. When I finally met Jean, it was a party at their house. Everyone wanted to be with her. I mostly stayed in the living room with a few others.
We had a rare moment together when I was getting ready to leave. This moment is how I want to remember Bishop Jean. It was the two of us in her room. We got to talking about beads and crafting. She had got some beads and other crafting stuff and wanted to show me. In her generosity, she had given me some of her beads that she couldn’t use. She gave me a bag, almost like a toiletry bag, to put them in. I told her I would return it when I came back. Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to give it back to her. I still use it to hold beads for the rosaries I make.
That was common ground, Jean. She and I had rosaries. She did hers one way, and I did mine another. When I wasn’t able to sleep at night, I would go on Facebook, and sometimes, Jean would see me online and come to text me.
There were many nights Jean couldn’t sleep for one reason or another. But we would talk about beads, crafting, and maybe a few other things as well.
At my ordination to our priesthood, Jean asked to speak to me. We talked via Zoom, and she congratulated me and said she was proud. I got emotional and said thank you.
I know she is at peace now and out of pain. She is free to craft all she wants with her angel John and Jesus, whom she loved so much. Jean was a big part of our church and will be missed by all. Her partner and wife, our Archbishop, can find peace and joy knowing that she touched many people’s lives in many different ways.
Rest In Peace, Bishop Jean. I will always go for the low-hanging fruit, and those sharks will become minnows.
Blessings.
