REVEREND MSGR. JUSTINAS BERTASIUS, P.H.

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REVEREND MSGR. JUSTINAS BERTASIUS, P.H. Reverend Msgr. Justinas Bertasius, P.H., beloved pastor of St. Casmirs Parish in Winnipeg, passed away on Saturday, October 9, 1999. He was 84. Born in Saukliai-Mosedis, Lithuania on March 21, 1915, he was the son of the late Eligijus and Kunigunda (Eidejute) Bertasius. After studies in Lithuania and Germany, he was ordained to the Priesthood on May 14, 1942 for the diocese of Telsiai, Lithuania. Upon his arrival in Canada, he worked in Quebec for a short time become coming to Winnipeg in 1951. On December 1, 1951 he was appointed to care for the spiritual needs of the Lithuanian people of Winnipeg. During this period he was in residence at Immaculate Conception Parish in Winnipeg. On December 20, 1953 he moved to the new parish of St. Casmirs, the spiritual home of the Lithuanian Catholic community in Winnipeg. He served as Pastor of the parish until his death. On October 1, 1985, in recognition of his tireless efforts for the Lithuanian people, Pope John Paul II named him a Prelate of Honour, with the title Monsignor. Prayers will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 12, at St. Casmirs Parish, 432 Elgin Avenue at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Joseph V. Driscoll s.j. presiding. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated Wednesday, October 13, at St. Marys Cathedral, 353 St. Mary Avenue at 10:00 a.m. with the Most Reverend Leonard J. Wall, S.T.D., D.D., Archbishop of Winnipeg presiding. Very Reverend Msgr. Michael Moore, P.H., V.F., will deliver the homily. A reception will take place in St. Marys Hall following Mass. Interment will take place at All Saints Cemetery.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 1999