Yesterday, I told you about the death of one of our senior deacons. This morning, I heard about the passing away of one of our active pastors: Rev. John Barasinski, the pastor of St. Ann of the Dunes in Beverly Shores.
Fr. John was at Mundelein about the same time I was. He was ordained two years before me. John was a very bright man, teaching doctoral level classes in a university in Chicago as well as running his parish. He used to love talking about living in France and many cultural things. He was a joy to be around.
Just last week, he and two members of his parish community came to our parish to meet with the people responsible for our live-streaming of Masses. They wanted to begin live-streaming Masses at St. Ann of the Dunes as well. He was the picture of health and I am so happy that the words we exchanged with one another were the same words as always: happy words between two brother priests.
This morning, a couple of people went to his rectory for their regular morning coffee with him and the rectory was locked up. By 10:00 a.m., that was very unusual. They got a key, opened the door, and went into the rectory. All was dark and silent. Not the norm at all. When they went into the bedroom, they found his body on the floor. The paramedics who responded to the call said that he had probably been dead for eight hours already.
They say that the Lord will come like a thief in the night. Last night, the thief came for John. I am really grieving his loss. Rest in peace, my brother.
I am sorry to hear of the death of your ‘brother priest’. Believe me, I do know the pain and loss you must be experiencing. At least God took him at a fast pace. (I must be grateful for the “fast pace” when it comes to my son, Bob.) God Bless!
This is sad news. I enjoyed attending Mass @ St. Anne of the Dunes and listening to Fr. John’s homilies. May he Rest In Peace.