A Tribute to Canon Fragelli

Canon Henrique Fragelli, who rebuilt and revitalized the Mission Ste. Thérèse de l'Enfant Jésus since 2012, died this morning in Brazil. His health had been fragile ever since contracting covid in May 2021, requiring a prolonged hospitalization and a double lung transplant. He had recently established a new mission in Rio de Janeiro at the invitation of the archbishop; today, as was noted by the Prior General of the Institute to be the first day of the month of St. Joseph, patron of a happy death, the Lord called him back to Himself.

I can only imagine the mourning at his beloved mission. For my part, I have a few personal memories:

-- Canon working with me to arrange my mission trip; offering me his arm when I nearly collapsed upon my arrival and later calling my mom to let her know I had arrived; teasing me: about my ridiculous facial expression when he was taking a picture, about making hamburgers because I'm American; urging courage and patience with learning French; simply eating breakfast with us and telling us stories.

-- He heard my confession a couple times, once running into dinner time, but he didn't let that make him rush. He believed in the prime importance of Saturday catechism lessons, as well.

-- the chocolate milk and Oreos party he came up with on Shrove Tuesday, "To give you strength for the Ash Wednesday fast"; the popcorn and champagne party after the Easter Vigil Mass; my birthday party, for which he got out wine, "in your honor", he said.

Rest in peace, Canon Fragelli. The Mission is alive because you gave your life for it.

May you reach Heaven for a glorious Easter, Canon.

(N.B. The photo at the top is not mine; it is on the Mission's website, I accessed it through Google. The last line of this post is adapted from a quote by Lech Walesa.)

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