celebrating the life of brother charles kitson€¦ · liturgy of the word placing of christian...

Celebrating

the Life

of

Brother Charles Kitson fsc

Born into Eternal Life11 March 2016

Born into Earthly Life6 January 1949

Christian Brothers AcademyLincroft New Jersey

Saturday, 19 March 2016Solemnity of Saint Joseph

“What a consolation for those who have procured the salvation of others, to see in heaven a great number whom they helped attain a great happiness! This will happen to those who have taught many the truths of religion, as the prophet Daniel has said: ‘Those who instruct many in justice will shine like the stars for all eternity.’ They will shine, indeed, in the midst of those they have taught, who will eternally bear witness to the great gratitude they have for the valuable instructions of their teachers, whom they will regard as the cause, after God, of their salvation.”

~ Meditation for the Time of Retreat 16.2

Remembering we are in God’s holy presence ...

I Heard the Voice of Jesus

GreetingSprinkling with Holy WaterPlacing of the PallOpening Song:

Introductory RitesCall to Worship

Text: CMD; Horatius Bonar • Music: KINGSFOLD • adapt. by Ralph Vaughan WilliamsReprinted under OneLicense.net S-916594

&

#

4

4

œ œ

1. I2. I3. I

œ œ œ œ

heardheardheard

thethethe

voicevoicevoice

ofofof

œ œ œ œ œ

JeJeJe

sussussus

say,say,say,

"Come"Be"I

œ œ œ œœ

unhold,am

toI

this

mefreedark

andly

world's

- -- - --

&

#

.˙

œ œ

1. rest;2. give3. light;

LayTheLook

œ œ œ œ

down,

unliv

thouingto

weawame,

ryter;thy

œ œ œ œ œ

one,thirstmorn

layy

shall

downonerise,

ThyStoopAnd

œ œ

headdown,all

upandthy

- -- - --

&

#

œ œœ

1. on2. drink,3. day

myandbe

.˙

œ œ

breast."live."

bright."

III

œœ œ œ œ

camecamelooked

tototo

JeJeJe

sussus,sus,

œ œ œ œ œ

asandand

III

was,drankfound

SoOfIn

---

&

#

œ œ œ œœ

1. wea2. that3. him

ry,lifemy

worngivstar,

andingmy

.˙

œ œ

sad;stream;sun;

IMyAnd

œ œ œ œ œœ

foundthirstin

inwasthat

himquenched,

light

amyof

-- -

&

#

œ œ œ œ œ

1. rest2. soul3. life

ingreI'll

place,vived,walk

AndAndTill

œ œ œ œœ

henowtrav

hasI

'ling

madelivedays

meinare

.˙

glad.him.done.

--

-

[Title][Composer]

Score

©

[Subtitle][Arranger]

Liturgy of the Word

Placing of Christian Symbols• The New Testament - The first and principal rule of a Brother• The Rule of the Institute - The practical application of Lasallian spirituality• The Crucifix - The daily reminder to live the Paschal Mystery• The Six Decade Rosary - The devotion to Mary, our model of faith

Opening Collect

Isaiah 61.1-3First Scripture:

He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly.

Psalm 139.1-3, 7-8, 9-10Response to the Word:

The Response: Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

2 Corinthians 1.26-31, 3.18-19, 4.9-11Second Scripture:

God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise ...

Matthew 5.1-12+Gospel Proclamation:

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Homily

Intercessory Prayer:The Response: O gentle and loving God, hear our prayer.

Lenten Gospel Acclamation:Refrain

Music: Mass of Creation; Marty Haugen • © 1984, 1985, 2010 by GIA Publications, Inc.Reprinted under OneLicense.net S-916594

Allegro (q»¡™º)

Lenten Gospel AcclamationMarty Haugen

Mass of Creation

& bb œPraise

34 œto

œyou,

œLord

Track 1 œJe -

œsus

˙Christ,

œking

œof

œend -

œless

œglo -

˙ry!

Preparation of the Altar & Presentation of the Gifts

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Eucharistic Acclamations: HOLY

Mass of CreationMarty Haugen

Text © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved. Used with permission.Music © 1984, 2010, GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

& bb 43 œ ˙Ho ly,

œ ˙Ho ly,

œ ˙Ho ly

.˙ .˙Lord

˙ œGod of

.˙hosts.

˙ Œ œ œ œHeav en and- - - -

& bb ˙ œearth are

.œ jœ œfull of your

œ ˙glo ry.

œ Œ œHo

˙ œsan na

˙ œin the

œ ˙high est.

˙ Œ- - - -

& bb œ œ œBless ed is

˙ œhe who

œ œ œcomes in the

œ œ œname of the

.˙Lord.

œ Œ œHo- -

& bb ˙ œsan na

˙ œin the

œ ˙high est.

œ Œ œHo

˙ œsan na

˙ œin the

.˙high

.˙ .˙est.- - - - -

Sanctus


Memorial Acclamation

WHEN WE EAT THIS BREADMass of Creation

Marty Haugen

Text © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved. Used with permission.Music © 2010, GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

& bb 44 œ œ œ œ œ œWhen we eat this Bread and

œ œ œ œ œdrink this Cup, we pro -

& bb .œ jœ œ œclaim your Death, O

.˙ œLord, un

.œ jœ œ œtil you come a

wgain.- -


Great Amen

AMENMass of Creation

Marty Haugen

© 1984, G.I.A. Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

A men, a men, a men! A men, a men, a men!Music: Mass of Creation; Marty Haugen • © 1984, 1985, 2010 by GIA Publications, Inc.

Reprinted under OneLicense.net S-916594

The Lord’s PrayerPrayer for Peace & Sign of PeaceFraction Rite:

Communion Rite: The Supper of the Lord THE SUPPER OF THE LORDLaurence Rosania

Vss. 1-4 : Based on John 4, 6. Text and music © 1994, Laurence Rosania. Published by OCP Publications. All rights reserved.

1.2.3.4.5.

givyouyouasin

ingthatthat

Ithis

lifedrinkeat

havebread

tofromthismywe

us,me

breadlife

share

shall

inin

tonot

shalltheone

allthirstnevliv

life,

theaeringone

world.gain.”die.”God.”Lord.

to Refrain

Verses

1.2.3.4.5.

This“I“I

“AllAll

isamam

thosepraise

thethethewhoto

breadliv

breadfeedyou,

ofingofonO

Godspringheav’n

meChrist,

comofgiv

havepres

inge

ingtheirent

downterlifelifein

fromnaltoin

this

heav’n,life;you;me,

feast,

come, share the sup per of the Lord.

Bread of love is bro ken now, cup of life is poured:

here the Lord pre pares the feast di vine.

Refrain

Pre cious bod y, pre cious blood, here in bread and wine;

LAMB OF GODMass of Creation

Marty Haugen

Music © 1984, 2010, GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

& bb 43 .. 42 44 43œ œ œ œLamb of

Cantor/Choir

˙ jœ jœGod, you

All œ œ œ œtake a way the

œ œ œsins of the

1, 2

.˙ ‰ jœworld, have-

& bb 43 .. 44 43œ œ œ œmer cy on

.u̇s.

2 Final

wworld,

œ œ œ œgrant us

.˙peace.-


Lord, When You Come

THE SUPPER OF THE LORDLaurence Rosania

Vss. 1-4 : Based on John 4, 6. Text and music © 1994, Laurence Rosania. Published by OCP Publications. All rights reserved.

1.2.3.4.5.

givyouyouasin

ingthatthat

Ithis

lifedrinkeat

havebread

tofromthismywe

us,me

breadlife

share

shall

inin

tonot

shalltheone

allthirstnevliv

life,

theaeringone

world.gain.”die.”God.”Lord.

to Refrain

Verses

1.2.3.4.5.

This“I“I

“AllAll

isamam

thosepraise

thethethewhoto

breadliv

breadfeedyou,

ofingofonO

Godspringheav’n

meChrist,

comofgiv

havepres

inge

ingtheirent

downterlifelifein

fromnaltoin

this

heav’n,life;you;me,

feast,

come, share the sup per of the Lord.

Bread of love is bro ken now, cup of life is poured:

here the Lord pre pares the feast di vine.

Refrain

Pre cious bod y, pre cious blood, here in bread and wine;

Reprinted under OneLicense.net S-916594

&

#

#

8

6

.˙

1. Lord,2. Lord,3. Lord,4. Lord

œ œ œœ œ œ

whenyouhavesend

youknewyoume

camewhatneedwhere

tomyofyou

theboatmy

would

.œ .œ

seacarla

have

shoreried:bor,me,

---

&

#

#

.œ

‰

œ œ

YouNei

HandsTo

weren'ttherfora

.œ .œ

seekmonservil

ingeyvice,lage,

œ

j

œ œ œ œ

thenoraor

wiseweapheartheart

oronsmadeof

theforforthe

-- - -

--

&

#

#

.œ .œ

wealthfightlovcit

y,ing,ing,y;

œj

œ

œ

j

œ

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onnetsarmswill

lyforforre

.œ .œ

askfishliftmem

inging,ingber

- - -- -- -- - -

&

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#

œ

j

œ œ

j

œ

thatmythethat

Idaipooryou

mightlyandare

.œ .œ

follabrowith

low.bor.ken?me.

.œ

-- -

-

&

#

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œ

O

.˙

Lord,

œ œ œœ œ œ

in my eyes you were

.œ .œ

gaz ing,-

&

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#.œ‰œ œ

Kind ly

.œ .œ

smil ing,

œ

j

œ œ œ œ

my name you were- -

&

#

#

.œ .œ

say ing;

.œ

‰

œ œ

All I

.œ .œ

treas ured,- -

&

#

# œ œ œœ œ œ

I have left on the

.œ .œ

sand there;

.œ‰œ œ

Close to

&

#

#.˙

you,

‰

œ œœ œ œ

I will find oth er

.˙

seas.

.œ

Œ .

-

Text: Pescador de Hombres, Cesáreo Gabaráin, trans. by Willard Francis Jabusch • Tune: Cesáreo Gabaráin © 1979, OCP Publications

&

#

#

8

6

.˙

1. Lord,2. Lord,3. Lord,4. Lord

œ œ œœ œ œ

whenyouhavesend

youknewyoume

camewhatneedwhere

tomyofyou

theboatmy

would

.œ .œ

seacarla

have

shoreried:bor,me,

---

&

#

#

.œ

‰

œ œ

YouNei

HandsTo

weren'ttherfora

.œ .œ

seekmonservil

ingeyvice,lage,

œ

j

œ œ œ œ

thenoraor

wiseweapheartheart

oronsmadeof

theforforthe

-- - -

--

&

#

#

.œ .œ

wealthfightlovcit

y,ing,ing,y;

œj

œ

œ

j

œ

ButButMyI

onnetsarmswill

lyforforre

.œ .œ

askfishliftmem

inging,ingber

- - -- -- -- - -

&

#

#

œ

j

œ œ

j

œ

thatmythethat

Idaipooryou

mightlyandare

.œ .œ

follabrowith

low.bor.ken?me.

.œ

-- -

-

&

#

# Œ j

œ

O

.˙

Lord,

œ œ œœ œ œ

in my eyes you were

.œ .œ

gaz ing,-

&

#

#.œ‰œ œ

Kind ly

.œ .œ

smil ing,

œ

j

œ œ œ œ

my name you were- -

Post-Communion Song: Look Down to Us, Saint Joseph

&

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œ

1. Look2. We

œ œ œ œ

downven

toer

us,ate

Saintyour

˙ œ œ

Jojus

seph,tice,

ProThe

œ

œ œ œ

tecgos

torpels

ofpraise

Ouryour- -

--

- --

&

#

#

.˙œ

Lord,name;

WhoYou

œ

œ œ œ

folare

lowedthe

yousaint

throughall

˙ œ œ

deshum

erts,ble,

AndWho

œ œ œœ

gavegained

youe

blessedter

renal

- -- - -

-

&

#

#

.˙ œ

ward;fame;

OurIn

œ œœ œ

foesyour

arede

yetvot

aed

˙ œ

œ

boutfam

us,ily

BeOur- -

--

&

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#.œ

J

œ œ

œ

strengthsouls

nowin

attrust

ourcon

.˙œ

side;fide;

BeDi

œ œ œ œ

lightrect

aour

gainstway

theto- -

-

&

#

#

˙ œ œ

darkheav

ness:en:

SaintSaint

œ œ œ œ

JoJo

seph,seph,

bebe

ourour

.˙

Œ

guide!guide!

--

--

Tune: AURELIA 7 6 7 6 D, Samuel S. Wesley • Text: Michael Gannon, © 1966, World Library Publications

Prayer After Communion

Words of Remembrance

Final CommendationInvitation to PrayerSong of Farewell: In Paradisum

Prayer of CommendationAfter the Prayer of Commendation, The Brothers are invited to create an “honor guard” beginning at the rear doors of the theater to the exit doors by the hearse. As Charlie’s body begins its movement to the hearse, we will sing Honneur à Toi. Once Charlie’s body is in the hearse and the door is closed, we will sing the Salve Regina.

& 4

4

j

œ œœ

May choirs of

.œ

j

œ œ

œ œœ

an gels lead you in to

œ œ.œ

j

œœ œ

pa ra dise, and may the- - - -

& .œ

j

œ œœœœ

mar tyrs come to wel come

˙ œœ œ

œ

you To bring you

.œ

j

œ œ

œ œœ

home in to the ho ly- - --

&

œ œ.œ

j

œ œœ

ci ty, so you may

.œ

j

œ œ œ œ œ

dwell in new Je ru sa˙ œ

œ œœ

lem. May ho ly- - - - --

&

.œ

J

œ œ œ œ œ

an gels be there at your

œœ.œ

j

œ œœ

wel com ing, with all the

.œ

J

œ œ œ œœ

saints who go be fore you- - - -

&

˙ œ

œ œ œ

there, That you may

.œ

J

œ œ œœœ

know the peace and joy of

& œœ.œ

j

œ œœ

pa ra dise; that you may

œ

œ œœ œ œ

œ œ

en ter in to e ver last ing

j

œ .˙

‰

life.- - - - - - -

[Title][Composer]

Score

©

[Subtitle][Arranger]

Text: In Paradisum • Tune: Danny Boy

Sending Forth: Honneur à ToiSalve Regina

Celebrant/Presider: Reverend Robert Joerger cp afsc

Call to Worship: Brother Dennis Malloy fsc

Lectors: Dr. Michael Cisar (CBA ’92) Sister Elizabeth Engel op John Herndon (CBA ’82)

Intercessory Prayers: Maryann Donohue-Lynch Brother Lawrence Goyette fsc

Words of Remembrance: Brother Edward Phelan fsc Sheena Mullan (Soloist)

Presentation of the Gifts: Sister Trudy Ahern ssj (Liturgical Dance) Carrie Cisar (Gift Bearer) Ally Cisar (Gift Bearer) Katie Cisar (Gift Bearer) Suzanne DelGallo (Gift Bearer)

Acolytes: Joseph Cisar (CBA ’20) Timothy DelGallo

Cross Bearer: Stephen DelGallo

Server: Brother Francis Eells fsc

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion: Philip De Rita Brother Timothy Froehlich fsc Brother Joseph Juliano fsc Brother Ralph Montedoro fsc Marilyn Paquette Alan Weyland

Pall Bearers: Dr. Michael Cisar (CBA ’92) Leonard DelGallo Sean DelGallo John Herndon Matthew Herndon Michael Herndon Joseph Hosley (CBA ’86) Victor Pantesco

Planning & Organization: Carroll Bennett Philip De Rita Brother Joseph Juliano fsc Brother Ralph Montedoro fsc Brother Charles Mrozinski fsc

Musicians: Ciro Saverino (CBA ’10) Ars Nova Schola of CBA Luncheon: Dolly Sullivan bfsc

With Prayerful Thanks

Luncheon reception to follow

in the Dining Hall.

All are welcome.

Fratel Robert Schieler, FSC, Superiore Generale - [email protected]

Casa Generalizia La Salle Via Aurelia, 476 00165 Roma , Italia

11 March 2016

Dear Brother Dennis, Brothers and Lasallians,

Today, we've lost a brother who brought so much joy to all of us. On behalf of the General Council, the Central Community and the Institute, I offer my sincere condolences to you, Charlie's Dad and family.

In a reflection from today's Scripture readings there was this sentence, "the measure of a life well lived is the virtue that continues to grow in the lives of those who were touched by it." Charlie touched so many lives. I think especially of those students - La Salle's artisans and the poor - that he committed himself to as a De La Salle Brother. We all have our own particular image or photo that captures Charlie's love for others and his vocation. Mine is of Charlie on a stage in robe, sunglasses and umbrella dancing with a group of San Miguel students. He was a brother who our Rule reminds us gave "special attention to those of their pupils who have greater difficulties at school, personal problems, or problems adjusting to family life or society. Charlie felt most at home with such students, particularly during his years at San Miguel.

To leave San Miguel and come to Rome in response to Brother Alvaro's request is an example of Charlie's virtue. He was engaged in a ministry that we say is so important to our identity and mission as Brothers. And it is! But Charlie understood all the dimensions of his vocation and responded positively. He stepped onto a larger stage. So many others now came to appreciate and love the Charlie so well known and loved by us. Circular 461, Associated for the Lasallian Mission ...an act of Hope is among his legacy and gifts to us.

We will continue to keep you in our prayers as you grieve the loss of our brother. And Charlie will keep us in prayer as he now experiences the "joy a Brother of the Christian Schools will have when he sees a great number of his students in possession of eternal happiness, for which they are indebted to him by the grace of Jesus Christ!"

Fraternally,

Bob Brother Robert Schieler, FSC Brother Superior

Fratel Robert Schieler, FSC, Superiore Generale - [email protected]

Casa Generalizia La Salle Via Aurelia, 476 00165 Roma , Italia

11 March 2016

Dear Brother Dennis, Brothers and Lasallians,

Today, we've lost a brother who brought so much joy to all of us. On behalf of the General Council, the Central Community and the Institute, I offer my sincere condolences to you, Charlie's Dad and family.

In a reflection from today's Scripture readings there was this sentence, "the measure of a life well lived is the virtue that continues to grow in the lives of those who were touched by it." Charlie touched so many lives. I think especially of those students - La Salle's artisans and the poor - that he committed himself to as a De La Salle Brother. We all have our own particular image or photo that captures Charlie's love for others and his vocation. Mine is of Charlie on a stage in robe, sunglasses and umbrella dancing with a group of San Miguel students. He was a brother who our Rule reminds us gave "special attention to those of their pupils who have greater difficulties at school, personal problems, or problems adjusting to family life or society. Charlie felt most at home with such students, particularly during his years at San Miguel.

To leave San Miguel and come to Rome in response to Brother Alvaro's request is an example of Charlie's virtue. He was engaged in a ministry that we say is so important to our identity and mission as Brothers. And it is! But Charlie understood all the dimensions of his vocation and responded positively. He stepped onto a larger stage. So many others now came to appreciate and love the Charlie so well known and loved by us. Circular 461, Associated for the Lasallian Mission ...an act of Hope is among his legacy and gifts to us.

We will continue to keep you in our prayers as you grieve the loss of our brother. And Charlie will keep us in prayer as he now experiences the "joy a Brother of the Christian Schools will have when he sees a great number of his students in possession of eternal happiness, for which they are indebted to him by the grace of Jesus Christ!"

Fraternally,

Bob Brother Robert Schieler, FSC Brother Superior

I just have learned of the death of Brother Charles Kitson. Through these words I wish to convey my condolences for this sensitive loss for the DENA District and for the whole Institute. I was fortunate that Charles was my collaborator both in the Central District and in the Central government of the Institute. His person, his dynamism, and his joy even in the midst of recurring health issues were for me a wonderful testimony. He was an excellent brother, always close and simple, truly a brother. I ask the Lord for his eternal rest and ask to share with his family and the Brothers of your District my feelings and the promise of my prayers. - Br. Álvaro Rodríguez Echeverría fsc, former Superior General

So many thoughts and images of my five years with Charlie are coming back to me since I got the news. What a gift he was and what a gift of himself he shared. Because we knew him, we will not be the same. But Charlie faced all his problems with great faith. I know he would want us to do the same.

- Br. Tom Johnson fsc, former Vicar General and current Director of Novices

In 2005 I met someone who changed my life. By 6th grade, he had opened me up to a love of dance, poetry and the arts. I will never forget all that he has ever done for me. Even when he wasn't around everything he taught me and told me stuck with me and helped me push through the most difficult of times. - John Carlos Cappellan, RI

In 1989 I met Charlie Kitson for the first time. I was the leader of a group of people interested in learning more about Guatemala. Since that time, Charlie has been a good friend: gifted, talented, creative, spiritual, fraternal. May Charlie rest in peace.

- Br. Paul Joslin fsc

I am not sure what to say—we’ve lost a saint from among us. - Br. Jack Curran fsc

Charlie Kitson had such a joyful spirit and loving presence. I feel so blessed that he has been such an important part of my Lasallian journey. He is a mentor, friend, and inspiration to me. Charlie was such a special man and has truly touched our hearts by his example and love. Thank you, Charlie, for inspiring me to be a lifelong Lasallian.

- Sarah Laitinen, San Miguel, Providence RI

I join my broken heart with yours as we feel greatly the loss of Charlie. Our faith tells us that in this loss there is also gain. Charlie is now more alive than ever as he takes up a new adventure with the Lord. I join you and all our Brothers and Partners in asking God to share with Charlie all the grace he needs as he moves through these new days of life eternal.

- Br. Robert Wickman fsc

Remembrances from around the Institute

Today we lost a great friend and a Brother. He was an inspiration and a true Lasallian. RIP Brother Charles Kitson! - Ed-Linddi W-Org, Singapore

Brother Charles: What a life! What a Brother! What a Lasallian! And yes, what a loss! The single greatest gift that Charlie had in abundance was his deep goodness. He cared about people. He saw and affirmed the good in all of us. He thrived on being with people, bringing such positive energy to all of us who, during these days, are united, near and far. Eternal joy now be his! - Br. Dennis Lee fsc, Kenya

The Brothers of the Christian Schools of Ontario are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Brother Charles Kitson. May he rest in peace. We also pray for his family, his dad and sister, and all his Brothers in the legacy District of LINE as well as all his Brothers of the District of Eastern North America. - Br. Mel O'Neill fsc, Toronto ON

RIP Brother Charles Kitson ... you were such an inspiration to me during my years at LaSalle Academy. Heaven just welcomed their newest angel. - Jamie Quattrini, RI

I still remember when I first met Charlie just after he performed in mime at the first Regional Convocation in Moraga. What a talented and gifted man we had! Let's thank God that he was allowed to share those gifts with so many in an especially gentle, loving and upbeat way during his time as our Brother. He entered eternal life today for reasons known only to his Creator who needed his talents and kindness for another Mission.

- Br. John Patzwall fsc

I was saddened to hear this afternoon of Charlie’s death. As you may know, he and I worked together in Rome, and he was a wonderful Brother to me, as well as making such an enormous contribution to the understanding and practice of Lasallian Association.

- Br. John Cantwell fsc, District of ANZPPNG

Charlie and I worked together in Rome, Asia and in my own District here in ANZPPNG, including one not-to-be-forgotten journey through Papua New Guinea. I always experienced with him a deep awareness of being brother and great commitment to whatever we were doing but always able to give energy to others from his own reserves, creativity, humor and holiness. - Br. John Pill fsc, New Zealand

Brother Charles had a way of touching the lives of everyone he encountered. Charlie, we miss you and love you and we promise your work will live on through all those you touched. Live Jesus in our hearts ... FOREVER. - Karen Clements, RI


I add my voice to the throngs of Brothers and friends who will be writing you on this pain-filled day to express so poorly the suffering of hearts that weep at the loss of one whom we call “friend.” - Br. Vin Pelletier fsc, Rome

I am writing this note with a heavy heart mourning the loss of our beloved Brother Charles Kitson. We heard the sad news yesterday and we had a special prayer and Mass in his memory. Charlie was a great man, very sociable, an easy to talk to and to laugh with person. I met Charlie at the Chapter in Rome but I always felt as if I had known him for years. He had a jovial nature and an easy way to bring people around him. A great loss for us all.

- Br. Belayneh Medhait fsc, Ethiopia It is with great sorrow that I learned of the death of Brother Charles Kitson. I got to know him personally during the CIL session in Rome and I appreciated his human and spiritual gifts, a true Brother in the Spirit and of the heart. I join in your prayer of remembrance and express my deepest sympathy in the name of all the Brothers of the District of Italy.

- Br. Achille Buccella fsc, Visitor of Italy

I don’t know very well why God needed him in heaven ... He (God) must have needed an angel specializing in being human—humanity. - Br. Oscar Lerones Marcos fsc, Portugal

I am certain you are receiving many messages of condolence on the death of one of our very best. My sister met Charlies only once and her comment was “I thought I was sitting next to a saint.” - Br. Richard Kestler fsc

I’m very saddened to find out that I lost a very good friend last night and the world lost a great man. Brother Charles Kitson was the first person I met when I walked through the doors of La Salle Academy back in 1983 and he was instrumental in helping guide me to the man I have become today. Being involved in “The Show” as one of his “Fools” remains one of my most cherished memories of growing up. Rest in Peace Brother Charles Kitson, your work here will never be forgotten. - Mike Nelson, Milford NH

Brother Charles presented to our College Spirituality Day last year and won everyone’s heart and admiration for his warmth, humility and knowledge. I remember a man who had us all deeply reflecting on our relationship with God and challenging us to examine our work with the young men we teach daily in our Lasallian community.

- Mr. Myles Hogarty, Aukland, New Zealand

Much heartbreak here. I will see you soon. With love that hardly matches that love we have lost. - Victor Pantesco, NH


I realize that words are utterly inadequate at such a sad time as you and the rest of your Lasallian colleagues come to terms with Charlie’s sudden death—a wonderful Brother and friend to so many. - Br. Aiden Kilty fsc, Rome

Among the many fond memories of Charlie for me was when we performed the MIME shows in La Salle Academy - Providence RI. He insisted that we scrape the paint off the auditorium floor at 2 am in the morning and then be up for 7.30am Mass in the morning. HE WAS ONE OF A KIND! - Sister Liz Engel, NJ

I think of Brother Charles with deep gratitude as personifying in his personal relation-ships the essence of “Touching hearts” … a profound sense of the ‘other’ and a deeply encouraging approach to sharing what he had himself come to ‘see’, 'feel’, ‘appreciate’ but he always pointed beyond himself… he did not make ‘disciples’ for himself. I’m saddened by his death but strengthened and encouraged by his example … His life was the very embodiment of ‘being brother.’ May he rest in the peace of the Lord towards whom he pointed by his own life. - Br. Gerard Rummery fsc, Australia

Charlie was important in a number of ways to the Brothers in the district and Institute, as well as the many people whose lives he touched. As we approach Easter we Christians can reflect on the mystery of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection and our faith leads us to be amazed with the incredible love God has for each of us. I pray that as you bear the sorrow of the loss of Charlie that you are conscious of God walking with you. I know you will have memories of him as someone who was a way in which God's love was revealed to you. - Br. Peter Bray fsc, Bethlehem

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Brother Charles Kitson. He was one of my students when I taught at CBA and I was elated when he and three other young men from his class decided to join the Brothers and enter the novitiate in 1968. For some reason, I also have a vivid picture of the face of his father in my memory, a gracious man who was very devoted to the Brothers. - Mr. Richard McKay, NJ

We want to offer you our condolences on behalf of the Bilbao Sector of Spain. Our rela-tionship with him was close. He enjoyed his trips to Spain and he had left a lot of friends on this side of the Atlantic. He came to be present in several meetings related with Lasallian family and the lay Associates. We desire to extend our condolences to his family, community, and the whole District of DENA.

- Br. José Román Pérez Conde fsc, Auxiliary Visitor of ARLEP District


I will keep Charlie in my memory as a dynamic, optimistic and courageous brother. Always smiling, he knew quickly how to establish fraternal relations with the people he met. In Rome he worked very well. Yet he was nostalgic for his work with troubled youth. I think he always kept them in his heart and he always saw in them the ultimate goal of what he did. I do not doubt that the Lord has welcomed him into his peace and joy like a good and faithful servant, and He gave him a place in the eternal dance of His beloved children. - Br. Jacques d'Huiteau fsc, France

We thank God for the gift of Charlie, everything we have received from him in every single moment of our common history. It has been a history of profound spirituality, abundant brotherhood and humanity full of evangelic simplicity. His shared, committed history has been a humble exegesis of God’s mercy, always in search of the vitality and sus-tainability of his work, always listening to his Word. In my own name and on behalf of the Lasallian community of the Sector of Andalucía (District ARLEP). May God our Father keep offering us the witness of faithful people, with a vocation rooted in his Love, like our Brother Charlie. - Br. Juan Gonzalez fsc, Auxiliary Visitor, District of ARLEP

We learn with great sorrow of the sudden death of our Brother Charles. All the Brothers of France who knew him remember his goodness, his generosity, his competence in his ministries always with the greatest “spirit of faith & zeal.” We pray for him with you, may the Lord grant you Peace and Hope during this time of ordeal. And for Brother Charles, already experiencing the fullness of Easter Joy! - Br. Jean-Paul Aleth fsc, Visitor of France

Heart-breaking to hear that Brother Charles Kitson, Charlie, has passed away. A true Lasallian and honored to have known him. May he rest in peace. “Inspire and Lead others by encouraging them.” - DLS. Brother Charlie certainly did!

- Siobhan Mary Lenard, Ireland

I thank you from the bottom of my heart, as so many others do; for your love, your friendship and your caring. There are so many memories, Charlie … Where to begin would be too difficult ... Christmas dinners at Milly’s, you’re kindnesses to my Mom, your absolutely hilarious sense of humor, your unabashed love of all human beings. Your special love for your parents and my dear friend, Milly, and all of your nieces and nephews. Anyone who knew you, Charlie, loved you and was a better person for it.

- Joan Lauri, NJ


Where there was darkness, you brought light; where there was pain, you brought comfort; where there was ignorance, you brought learning; where there was fear, you brought courage; where there was loneliness, you brought loving attention. You were Christ’s loving arms for so many—now, His arms grasp you in a welcome home. Enjoy your eternal rest in the Lord, Charlie. - Bryan V. McGuire, Sr.

The outpouring of love for the witness of Charlie’s life does not surprise me. Having lived with him in Rome, I witnessed how he touched so many people’s lives internationally. How true you say it … we knew a saint. He was/is truly a model of contemporary witness and evangelization. Charlie is truly a role model in the Pope Francis vein of what it means to be a Christian Catholic in today’s world. -Br. John Guasconi fsc

You helped me become the person I am today. You took a chance on me and saw something I didn’t know existed. I am forever grateful for everything you did for me at LaSalle and for the friendship we had throughout the years. It was always good to catch up with you and it always seemed like time had never passed. I will miss you. I am sure I am not the only person that could write this. I am sure many others feel the same way. I loved you as a friend and mentor. God Bless You the way he blessed all of us by bringing you into our lives. - Patrick Maloney Jr., RI

“We are fools for Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 1.10 Like his namesake, Saint Francis of Assisi, Charlie was a troubadour and a clown of God and he lived his life in the words of that saint by preaching the Good News, and only using words if necessary! Dance on in eternity, my dear friend and brother! - Br. Fred Mueller fsc

I am lost right now between tears and beautiful memories. I am trying to focus on being grateful for such a long friendship with a man whom I loved and who will always be with me. Just think: God loved us enough to bring Charlie into our lives. In my heart, I know he is with God, and because of Charlie, I know God was and is with us.

- Br. Lawrence Goyette fsc


“Oh, what a joy a Brother of the Christian Schools will have when he sees a great number of his students in possession of eternal happiness, for which they are indebted to him by the grace of Jesus Christ!”

~ Meditation for the Time of Retreat 16.2

One Last Thought ...

Life is best danced to the song of your heart.

Brother Charles has chosen cremation and interment in Narragansett RI.

After Easter, at a time selected by the Kitson Family, there will be a Memorial Service at the Christian Brothers Center, Narragansett RI.

Burial at the Christian Brothers Cemetery in Narragansett will follow the Memorial Service on that day.

The date and time of the above will be sent out when it has been established.

celebrating the life of brother charles kitson€¦ · liturgy of the word placing of christian...

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