Bro. Robert McCann, who died after a short stay at the Jeanne Jugan Residence on January 31, was given a beautiful farewell on Saturday, February 3, in a liturgy attended by an overflow crowd at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Star in Narragansett, where the wake had taken place the preceeding day.
Bro. Robert's brother, Edmund, was in attendance as were many family members (grand nephew leads the grand nieces in the Offertory Procession above). Bob's four nephews did the readings at the Mass, which was celebrated by Rev. Charles McDermott and presided over by Bishop Francis X. Roque. The chapel echoed with voices raised in joyous remembrance of Bro. Robert, who was eulogized by his friend and Brother, Fred Mueller. In part, Fred reflected:
"On behalf of Bro. Frank Byrne and the De La Salle Christian Brothers of the New York District, Brother Robert's home District, and on behalf of Brother Edmond Precourt and the De La Salle Christian Brothers of the LI-NE District, Brother's adopted District, I offer my deep and sincere condolences to Brother Robert's family...
"The Founder of the Brothers, John Baptist de la Salle, has written, in the second point of the 16th and final Meditation for the Time of Retreat, these words: 'What a great consolation for those who have procured the salvation of souls, to see in heaven a great number whom they have helped to obtain the advantage of enjoying so great a happiness!'...It is not difficult to see Bob among all his students - working the crowd, so to speak, as he did so well in life, making everyone feel important. He stands among the young men of La Salle School, Albany, his first love - a place where he spent many of his active years, always returning to the place where he started his active ministry among the Brothers...His training as a social worker helped him to hear the stories of these hurting young men; his faith certainly helped him to hear God's voice of love and mercy and forgiveness speaking in and through their stories. Heeding the words of the Founder in another meditation, Bob was able to see God beneath the rags and hurts and behavior problems and learning disabilities of the boys of The Coop...
"Our second reading this morning tells us that we believe 'that having died with Christ we shall return to life with him...death no longer has any power.' Our Gospel reading reminds us that Jesus is calling each of us home to be free from the tiredness and pain that sometimes intrudes on life: 'Come to me, all you who labor and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.' These words were never more a consolation to Bob than in these last days and weeks and months. The once 'energizer bunny' slowly had the energy drained from him; the caretaker of so many now needed care; the 'life of the party' became trapped along a path from which there was no exit. Bob was a man of deep faith, with great devotion to daily Eucharist, to Mary and to his Founder. His faith sustained him...
"Bob is now home. His soul is now at rest. may his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. Goodbye, good Brother, good friend, good man."
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