Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Auxiliary Bishop Roger L Kaffer RIP

The Joliet Diocese has suffered a tremendous loss with the death last week of our Auxiliary Bishop Roger Kaffer. Bishop Kaffer was a friendly, very approachable man who loved the youth. When he was the principal of one of the local Catholic high schools, Bishop Kaffer made it a point to visit the home of every family that had a student in the high school.

Bishop Kaffer was the auxiliary bishop of the diocese for 24 years. He was also the State Chaplin for the Illinois Knights of Columbus for 16 years.

On a personal level, we were privileged to have Bishop Kaffer come to our home back in 1996 to enthrone our home to the Sacred Heart. This was one of his personal apostolates to which he was very devoted. He loved spreading devotion to the Sacred Heart and would try hard to find a spot in his very busy schedule for anyone who was interested.

We also had the honor of having him preside over some of our homeschool group graduation Masses. When our two eldest daughters graduated from 8th grade, Bishop Kaffer was the presider and handed them their diplomas.

Based on what I've known and seen of Bishop Kaffer, I'm sure that he heard those beloved words of our Lord, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him and may his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.

4 comments:

  1. Laura GOD BLESS YOU for this beautiful post. Dolores H

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  2. Bishop Kaffer was the one who instituted the 9pm mass at the cathedral (it's now 7pm). When he said Mass there, he would hear confessions after Mass until everyone who wanted to come was able. He was known to stay sometimes until midnight!

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  3. He was a wonderful man. One of the times that he said Mass at the cathedral, he had the best homily. He said that people will line up for hours to get a glimpse of a great movie star, athlete, author, ect but we have the opportunity every day if we choose to to not only get a glimpse of the greatest Person in the world but we get to receive him into our lives!!! He said that Jesus Christ was the best Celebrity ever!!! Every time that I think of Bishop Kaffer I remember that homily!

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  4. Bishop Kaffer used to tell the Holy Father that he had 200,000 Knights of Columbus in Illinois praying for him (the Holy Father)!

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