Fr. BERTIN ROLL

ROLL
Fr. BERTIN, OFM CAP.
Died on Monday, January 5, 2015, at St. Augustine Friary. He was age 98. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Helen; and his brothers, George and Bill. He is survived by several nieces and nephews. Born to William and Nora (O'Brien) Roll on October 5, 1916, he was named Raymond and baptized at St. Athanasius Church in Pittsburgh. He attended the parish grade school and St. Fidelis High School Seminary. He entered the Capuchin Order in 1936, taking the name Bertin, and professed first vows on July 14, 1937, at SS. Peter & Paul Monastery in Cumberland, MD. The young friar then studied philosophy at St. Fidelis Monastery in Victoria, KS. In 1939, he moved to Capuchin College in Washington, DC, for theological studies. Father Bertin was ordained a priest on May 28, 1942, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in the nation's capital. After completing his studies, Father Bertin became Assistant to the Director of the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers. One year later, he was named its Director, a post he held for the next 60 years. Because of his excellent and enduring ministry to Catholic mothers, Father Bertin became well-known throughout the nation. In 1954, Father Bertin and Father Simon Conrad co-hosted a live, hour-long Catholic Sunday morning program on CBS. The two Capuchin friars traveled to New York City each weekend for the nationally televised broadcasts of Look Up and Live. However, it is Father Bertin's work with the Christian Mothers that will be his lasting legacy. His passion to provide spiritual guidance to mothers took him to every corner of the nation and beyond. Father Bertin had a profound respect for mothers and was edified by them and their beautiful vocation. He regularly visited local chapters of the Christian Mothers to listen and encourage, especially when the burdens of motherhood were overwhelming. He never failed to pray for mothers and every person he encountered. During his travels, he stayed at parish rectories and was admired by priests across the country. Many bishops prevailed upon Father Bertin to establish local chapters of the Christian Mothers in their dioceses. He preached countless parish missions. Father Bertin's powerful preaching and gentle ways won over many hearts and gained for him many friends. He knew that his work with the Christian Mothers was dependent upon his faithful co-workers in the office. Throughout the years, Stella O'Such, Jane Bienemann, Mary Anderson, Rita Jones and Jill Turok, among others, were indispensable in arranging his travels, responding to inquiries, supplying local chapters with resources, and providing organizational advice to local leaders. Father Bertin valued their hard work, loyalty and friendship. Wherever he went, his golf clubs were stowed in the trunk of his car, always at the ready for the next round of golf. Father Bertin was a golfer of great skill. As a young man, he was an excellent baseball player and always a fan of the game and all sports. He was considered a draft prospect for the major leagues in his early years, but he remained undeterred in his desire to be a Capuchin friar and priest. Father Bertin was always a gentleman. He only spoke kindly of people and never complained about others or his own circumstances, even when his health was failing. Father Bertin expressed an eager interest in others, rarely mentioning his own numerous accomplishments, and always quick to recognize and express his appreciation for the talents and contributions of others, especially those who might go unnoticed. He was never too busy or too tired for those who sought him out for confession or spiritual guidance. Father Bertin was unfailingly faithful in prayer, entirely devoted to the Church and held himself to the highest of standards as a Capuchin friar and priest. Donations in honor of Father Bertin may be made to the Capuchin Friars, 220 37th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201. Visitation and viewing will be at St. Augustine Friary (221 36th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201) on Thursday, January 8, 2015, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The wake service will be at 8 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 9, 2015, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Angels Church (240 37th Street). Interment will be in the friars' plot at St. Augustine Cemetery immediately following the funeral Mass. Professional Services by D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, LTD., Lawrenceville.
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