Rev. Germain Legere

Germain Legere Obituary

LEGERE, REV. GERMAIN, C.P., 91, of Louisville, passed away to God on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 4:20 a.m. He was a member of the Passionist Community, Sacred Heart Retreat, 1924 Newburg Rd. Fr. Germain was a native of N. Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada. The family moved to Chicago, IL when he was young. After he attended the Passionist Prepatory Seminary, he took his vows as a Passionist religious on July 25, 1935. Ordination to the Priesthood took place on May 30, 1942. He taught in the Passionist Seminary from 1942-1968. He was a chaplain at Nazareth Home of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for more than 25 years. He is survived by his sister, nieces and nephews. The funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be 10a.m. Monday at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1920 Newburg Rd., with burial in the Passionist Cemetery. Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Sunday at the monastery, Sacred Heart Retreat, with a prayer service at 7p.m. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bosse Funeral Home.

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Published by Courier-Journal from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Germain Legere

13 Entries

William Crimmins

December 21, 2006

Father Germain was a kind and gentle soul. That is a a unique commodity in today's crazy world. I remember when the world looked like an imposing place, when I was not sure where I was going or if I could handle the challenges that life throws at you, Father Germain's kind and gentle soul transmitted a radiance of calm, a radiance that if you are at peace with who you are, with your belief in God and if you treat others with a compassion and understanding that is asked of all of us, the rest will take care of itself. Like Jesus, Fr. Germain lived his life in such a way that he was an example to all those around him, a harbor in times of storm, a lighthouse when darkness descended. May each of us continue to carry that light and that calmness for others to see and to draw comfort from. That would be a fitting tribute to Fr. Germain's life and gift to us.

Paul Wadell

December 7, 2006

Fr. Germain would often close his letters with "Devotedly, Germain." For me, this summarizes his life. He was a devoted priest, a devoted Passionist, a very devoted teacher, and surely a devoted friend. Germain was passionately interested in so many things, but especially about the well being of his friends. Nothing delighted him more than the success of his former students and friends, and nothing gave him greater joy than to know they were doing well. His zeal, goodness, kindness, and loyalty enriched all who knew and loved him. He was a great and holy man. And he will be missed.

Memorable Visit With Rev. Germain Legere (2004)

Charles Bencken

November 27, 2006

Rest in the abundant love of God, dear Germain, that love that you so boldly witnessed to and shared with us whose lives you touched. The words that come to mind: "El Senor hizo in mi maravillas..." are words spoken of the Seat of Wisdom, bearing Christ into our abyss of loneliness and despair, our veil of tears. More than any single teacher in my life, Germain, you were the presence of Him whom you bore within your living faith-work. You brought light into our darkness and heralded the coming of the Lord of Lords. Thank you for the wonderful gifts of love and learning that you imparted in our tender years of "growing towards the fullness of Christ." Your life is very much alive within all of us. You were my hero. The abundance of God's unrelenting love and goodness abide in my life as an ever-present rememberance of Him to whom you so faithfully witnessed: Christ and Him Crucified. Pray for us.
Rev. Charles F. Bencken

Dennis Waite

November 26, 2006

Germain was a lifelong friend and we must have exchanged hundreds, possibly thousands, of letters over the past 50 years. He was a voracious reader and had an interested-in-everything mind. I,among so many of his former students, will sorely miss him.

Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P.

November 23, 2006

Fr. Germain baptized me on August 13, 1972 in St. Paul, Kansas. It was my great joy to be able to speak with him for the first time on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord this past January at his monastery in Louisville. Fr. Germain supported me in my vocation as a Dominican priest. I celebrated Mass today, Thanksgiving, for the repose of his soul. I give thanks to God for his priestly ministry in Word and Sacrament. May the Cross of Christ lead him and all those touched by his ministry to the glory of heaven.

With my gratitude to all the Passionists,
Fr. Andrew, O.P.

Jim Bueter

November 21, 2006

I can only echo all of those who ever attended The Prep Seminary where Fr. Germain spent so many years in God's service. He was always totally dedicated to the service of Christ through his tireless efforts to help many youths on their way to adulthood. He serves as a reminder and inspiration to us all.

Michael "Boots" Miller

November 20, 2006

God has seen fit to bring His dear friend and servant home. Fr Germain was a shining example of humility and servitude. I will never forget his presence, his dignity, and his high standards as principal and english teacher at the Passionist Prepatory Seminary in Warrenton, Mo. He called me, and all who encountered him, to dig a little deeper and be the best you can be. Thank you, Fr Germain. May you enjoy your well deserved eternal happiness in the bosom of our Father, whom you served so well. May God bless all your family and friends who mourn your passing with the comfort of knowing you are now home.

Richard Womack

November 19, 2006

Precious and few are those who have a lasting impact throughout the lives of grown men. Fr. Germain was one of a small handful of priests and teachers in the Passionist Prep who left a life-long impression on a young man about the beauties and wonders of our religion through the classes he taught. As long as I live, I will never forget his unique way of walking and his nervous habits. Nor will I forget his love of his students, even 40 years after the fact, when I had the opportunity to visit with him briefly this summer. I'm sure that God has a greater task for him to do now. May he pray for us as we pray for him.

Carl DeLage

November 19, 2006

I have only fond memories of Fr. Germain. I remember going into his office to get my grades each quarter. As every Passionist that I have ever encountered, he was a walking reminder of the love and joy of Jesus.

Dennis Lewis

November 18, 2006

Fr. Germain's impact on all of us who studied at the Prep is enormous. My first encounter with him was when he was a visiting assistant at our parish outside Chicago. The Passionists stopped at our house on occasion for a meal after the Sunday masses. He was warm in his all-knowing, always assuring way. He is remembered fondly.

Leon Grantz

November 18, 2006

Fr.Germain must have been born to serve. Besides his excellent teaching abilities, he served communities by washing dishes, an-
swering the phone --an all-around aide. Graced and gracious! Fr. Leon Grantz, C.P.

Jonah (Tom) Wharff o.c.s.o.

November 18, 2006

I and my brothers at New Melleray Abbey join the Passionist community in celebrating Fr. Germain's life and passing on to the Lord; "And I will raise him up on the last day!"

I am personally so grateful that he touched my life. He was a man of character, totally dedicated to living the Passionist life with integrity.
"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make." Fr. Germain takes so very much with him because he left so much behind.
Jonah Wharff ocso
(Tom Wharff '65)

Don and Susan Noltemeyer

November 18, 2006

Our sympathy to the community, the family, and Fr. Germain's friends and former students. We will miss his service, example and friendship.

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