Yesterday morning at 10:30 am, another good Marist Brother, John Bantz, entered into eternal rest after a vigorous and valiant battle with cancer. Once a boxer, his fighting spirit and desire to beat the Big C led him on a path of much physical suffering, as well as the suffering which comes when hope and faith go through their own ups and downs. One day it seems likely that you will win and the next day, so much weakness sets in that the end seems inevitable, and actually desired. Then a good day comes and hope returns. Finally comes the day when acceptance sets in and all that we learned in our early catechism days makes more sense than ever: that "we were created to know, love and serve God in this world, and be happy with him in the next." So, John, in his final days was able to speak about his own death, plan his funeral and wait for the moment to enter the embrace of the Lord he had served so faithfully for 55 years as a Marist Brother. May his life and final journey be an inspiration to us who continue walking this planet, and may he be instrumental in helping others accept the invitation to follow in his footsteps as Marist Brothers. Thank you, John, for a life or quiet service, commons sense leadership, strong faith and gentle love, May you now at last rest in peace.
Bro. Rene
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