Ronald Burke

Happy Blessed Father Burke Day! I miss you so much. Be with me in spirit Father. God bless you always. I need your continuing spiritual direction in my life still as our Jesus, Mary, & Joseph and all the angels & saints are constant watching over us all. Pray for me Father Burke to the Lord our God for all my special intentions. Amen.
You devoted friend always.
Catherine Stevenson

My brother Margarito Guajardo Jr. was close to this wonderful, caring individual. My memories are fond ones of these two men working together for justice.

I was born and raised in Gilroy. My Family was one of the lucky 14 to be selected to participate in the first low income "self Help" housing projects in Gilroy. It was 1968, I didn't understand the commitment, work and sacrifice behind the scenes.
I was 8, when we moved into our first home. Over the years I began to appreciate all the efforts done by Father Burke and the team he organized. My parents have gone to be with the Lord but 415 Burke Drive is still in the family and providing affordable housing to my Brother and another Family. Father Burke's efforts continue to bless those in need for more than 50 years.
I am grateful to have known him.

Ralph Zertuche

I still miss my wonderful Spiritual Director and confessor. When he gave his homily, Saint Bruno's parish was quiet as a mouse. Clara and I once visited Father Ron in hospital. I asked him if I could pray over him? He said, "yes" after my prayer, I told him I only need one more miracle to become a saint. We laughed our heads off so hard and he told me..."out, out", it was all in fun. La Honda, "Church of Refuge" He would have Clara and I work like donkey's hauling & burning weeds at the church were he built many Grotto's and the Stations of The Cross and paths. Our Lady of Lourdes grotto's, the largest was torn down its boundary was on the neighbors property and was considered a liability. A tree, he and I planted in 1998, stands and now is around 15-20 feet tall. I was so pleased to visit and see him everywhere I looked. His dream was to keep working until his time came to visit home and Father. You are always in my prayers Father Ron and always will be. You were very instrumental in my returning to the church.

I made a slight error in my entry to the Guestbook. The town where Fr. Ron was stationed was Chimaltanango in Guatemala. It was my hope to spend many years there with him, but my destiny was elswhere. He did wonderful work and touched many with his love and sincerity.

I knew Ron Burke in the 60's and early 70's as a full time volunteer with YCS (Young Christian Students) on the West Coast, and LAMP, when I worked as a lay missioner in in Mexicali. Some years later I was all set to join him in Guatamalteco, Guatemala when my wife became pregnant and there was a devastating earthquake In Fr. Burke's parish. So, I was never able to join him. He is most definitely in my list of heroes, along with (former Father) Jim McEntee (RIP) who served close to Ron in Morgan Hill and also with LAMP. The two of them now together again...in a better place. May Ron's life be a witness to us all of what a true disciple of Christ means! My condolences to his family. This was truly a man of greatness.

During these past eight years, I have often met with Fr. Burke at various activities for priests. He was always exemplary in his spirit of faith and zeal for souls. I pray for the eternal rest of his soul, and I ask his intercession for me and for all of his fellow priests, so that we may serve God faithfully, as he did.
(Msgr) James Kelly

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Most beloved Fr. Burke was instrumental in my conversion. Although it was the Blessed Mother who first drew me into the Church, it was Fr. Burke, along with an Irish born priest, who led me through the hoops of conversion. He was a truly faithful, inspired, and holy priest. His character was one of dignity coupled with humility. He renounced the riches of the world and sought God, our Lady, and the true teachings of the Church. He was a gifted homilist. One such that was outstanding was his homily on Christ the King Sunday at San Bruno's while he was still pastor at San Bruno. He was a very patient spiritual director. God bless his soul.
In gratitude,
Susanna Maria Ax
Hayward, CA