On July 18, 2022, the Congregation of the Missionaries of St Charles, Scalabrinians, lost an extraordinary and talented confrere, shepherd and friend, Fr. Joseph Visentin, CS.
Fr. Joseph (Joe) was born on November 28, 1930, in Rossano Veneto (VI), Italy. This date was so particular for the Scalabrini Family because, on the same day, we celebrate our Foundation Day (November 28, 1837).
He professed his first vows on November 28, 1946, and his perpetual profession on December 8, 1951. Fr. Joseph was ordained deacon on April 4, 1954 and received his priestly ordination on May 16, 1954. He was assigned to our Province on February 15, 1975. In September 1950, Fr. Joseph was assigned to study theology at Stone Park, Illinois, USA. He was only 20 years old. Father Joseph was well known for his intellectual capacity, sense of responsibility and belonging to the Scalabrinian Family.
In May 1954, Fr. Joseph became a teacher at Sacred Heart Seminary at Stone Park, Illinois, USA. Eventually, he became a vice-rector of the Sacred Heart Seminary in September 1956, and two years later, in September 1958, he was rector of the Sacred Heart Seminary. Fr. Joseph was also a rector at St Charles Seminary (Theology), Staten Island, New York, USA. Fr. Joseph was a very talented religious missionary priest, shepherd and friend. He enriched all missions where he was assigned with his wisdom, leadership and kindness. Thus, from 1969 to 1974, Fr. Joseph serve in the General Administration as General Councilor.
In 1974, Fr. Joseph was assigned to the St. Frances Cabrini Province (SFCP), but he arrived in this Province on February 15, 1975. He served as Assistant Priest (Mater Christi Parish, Seaton, SA), vocation promoter, and coordinator of the Italian Apostolate in Melbourne.
Between 1985 and 1991, Fr. Joseph served as Provincial Superior. In addition, in the Philippines, He was rector of theology at the Scalabrini Theological House of Studies (STHS) in Manila, a novice master, spiritual director and mentor to many of the Scalabrinian priests.
In October 2014, Fr. Joseph returned to Australia and was assigned to Holy Spirit Parish, New Farm, QLD as a resident semi-retired priest. In June 2021, he went to Bexley House for retired priests, and eight months later, in February 2022, Fr. Joseph went to the Scalabrini Village in Allambie Heights, NSW, where he resided until his Creator called in Heaven. Fr. Joseph was diagnosed with influenza four weeks ago, seriously affecting his lungs and kidneys. He spent two weeks in the hospital. Unfortunately, two weeks after Fr. Joseph was back to the Allambie Heights Village, his health had deteriorated rapidly, and on July 18, 2022, he went to meet his Creator in Heaven at 7.45 am.
Fr. Joseph was an extraordinary religious missionary priest. He offered his talents at the service of the Scalabrinian Family and the local church in every Archdiocese or Diocese where he was assigned. He was a true shepherd eager to fulfil the needs of his sheep, under his spiritual guidance and pastoral accompaniment, and a faithful friend ready to assist and listen to everyone who looked for him. In addition, Fr. Joseph offered his intellectual capacity to contribute to translating various documents and books from Italian to English in the Scalabrinian Congregation.
Fr. Joseph spent 20 years in Italy, 20 years in the USA, 20 years in the Philippines and almost 32 years in Australia. He was an inspiration, mentor, guide, shepherd and good friend to many of us (seminarians, priests, friends and parishioners) who had the blessing and privilege to know him. May he rest in peace until we meet again together as one family in the Kingdom of the Lord. We extend to Fr. Joseph’s family our deepest condolences and prayers.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Sincerely,
Fr. Martin Ignacio Gutierrez CS
Provincial Superior Missionaries of St Charles Scalabrinians St Frances X Cabrini Province
Be the first to comment