BROTHER LEO BAERT, O.F.M.,

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BROTHER LEO BAERT, O.F.M., Cap. The Rev. Leo Baert, Capuchin friar and priest, who served the community of Sacred Heart Parish for more than twenty years, died Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at Taché Centre, two days after suffering a severe stroke to the base of the brain. He was 94. A Flemish friar, Br. Leo joined the Canadian Capuchins of Central Canada after the Minor Seminary where he taught closed. There was no work in Belgium he would explain, and I preferred Canada to Congo (the other missionary choice Belgian friars had at the time). Practical to the end, he was called to embrace the loss of his driver's license at 91, and, more recently, the loss of friary life. His love for Belgium was evident to all who knew him. The Belgian Club and his responsibilities as chaplain to the Legion were dear to him. With him goes another chapter of the Belgian migration into Canada, both the friars as well as for the people of Winnipeg. The Capuchin Friars want to express their gratitude to the staff of Taché Centre, Cropo Funeral Chapel, St. Alphonsus Parish and the CWL, Heather Ryczak, Nellie Guezen and everybody else who has generously ministered and gifted us at this moment. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Alphonsus Parish, 315 Munroe Ave., Tuesday November 25, 10:00 a.m., The Most Reverend John Corriveau, O.F.M., Cap., Bishop of Nelson, presider. Prayers, Monday night 7:00 p.m. in the church, The Most Reverend Emilius Goulet, P.S.S., Archbishop of Saint-Boniface, presider. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Capuchin Vocations Office, Box 520, Station A', Toronto, ON M3M 3A8. 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 22, 2008