FATHER DENIS BERNARDIN, P.B.

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FATHER DENIS BERNARDIN, P.B. It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our brother Denis on November 5, 2011. Left to mourn are his brothers Paul (Muriel), Aimé (Claire), Reginald (Rita), Anita (René Gillis), Stella (Roger Boily, and sister-in-law Anita. He was predeceased by his parents Magloire Bernardin and Jeanne (née Dupuis), three brothers Yves, Norman, Edgar and sisters Berthe (Léon Breland), Dorothée (Earl Fossay) and Reine. He will be missed by us and numerous nieces and nephews. Denis was born in Elie, MB on September 22, 1930. He did his primary school in Elie local school and after grade eight chose to go to Saint-Boniface College, where he graduated in 1953. This quiet and slender boy surprised many of his friends by choosing to join the Missionaries of Africa. In order to fulfill his desire of becoming a missionary, he had to leave Manitoba for one year and study in Montreal and another four years in Ottawa, after which he had permission to come back to Manitoba and be ordained to the priesthood in St. Mary's Cathedral by the bishop of Winnipeg. In 1958, he left Canada for England where he stayed for a few months to familiarize himself to the British Way of Life . Finally he left for Africa. He reached Northern Rhodesia beginning of 1959. His first job was to learn the language and customs. After six months at a language school, Denis knew enough of the language to start working in a mission. He was appointed to a mission where there was an experienced priest who could coach while he was improving his knowledge of the language and custom. On October 24, 1964, Northern Rhodesia became an independent country and took the name of Zambia. Denis was a man of the people. He had a natural gift to be at ease with strangers so it was easy for him to learn the language by being with the people. He was not afraid or upset when he made mistakes and he laughed. He passed on fairly quickly in speaking fairly good Chibemba. Denis was getting on well with the people. He loved the people and they loved him. After 47 years in Africa he had to come home on account of his health. Denis was also a man of God. He was a very simple man and had the gift to recognize what is good in each person. These qualities made him special for anybody who had the privilege to know him. It will be a great feast when they all meet in the House of the Lord. May he rest in peace. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Missionaries of Africa, 402 - 151 Despins Street, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0L7. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. with prayers at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at the St. Boniface Cathedral. Interment will follow at the St. Boniface Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca DESJARDINS 233-4949 1-888-233-4949

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 09, 2011