Obituary of Adam Sebastian

ADAM SEBASTIAN, ofm (RIP) Fr. Adam Sebastian, ofm, 96 years of age, a professed Franciscan Friar for 76 years, and a priest for 69 years, embraced Sister Death on Wednesday, October 30, 2013, at Santa Maria Nursing Home, in Regina, SK. Adam is survived by three brothers, Joseph, Fr. Anthony and Ignatius; and one sister Sr. Magdalena. He was predeceased by two brothers, Fr. Carlos and Frank; and one sister Mary. His earthly journey began in Kendal, SK, on October 10, 1917, the third of eight children born to Adam and Mary (Wild) Sebastian, and was given the name “Jacob.” However, at some point in time he answered to the name “Jack,” and later, upon entering religious life, Jack took a new name, “Adam.” Adam was one of three brothers who joined the Franciscan Friars. He was received into the Franciscan Order in 1936, and spent his initial formation years in Sherbrooke, Quebec City and Montreal, QC. In 1937 he made his first profession of vows, and then made solemn profession to the Franciscan Order in Montreal, in 1940. Four years of theological studies later, Adam was ordained a priest at Holy Rosary Cathedral, in Regina, SK. After ordination, Adam moved to St. Anthony’s College, in Edmonton, AB, where he was teacher, principal, rector and guardian. From 1952 to 1955, because he knew the German language, Adam cared for many German speaking immigrants who moved to Edmonton. In 1955, at the age of 38, Adam was named, by the Minister General for the Franciscan Order the first “Autonomous Custos” of the newly created independent religious entity, “The Franciscans of Western Canada.” Most of Adam’s Franciscan life was lived at St. Michael’s Retreat, in Lumsden, SK, and the majority of his years in ministry were spent in southern SK. In the summer of 2002, at the age of 84, Adam decided it was time to retire from being a pastor of three parishes, St. Peter’s, in Lumsden, SK, St. Jerome’s, in Regina Beach, SK, and St. Anne’s, in Chamberlain, SK, where he had served for 28, 27 and 25 years respectively. Previously, he was also the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Edmonton, AB, for three years (1961-1964) and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, in Calgary, AB, for nine years (1964-1973). Lastly, one of Adam’s outstanding contributions was the 34 years he selflessly dedicated to administrating the Franciscan Missionary Union (1973-2007), a Franciscan fund-raising organization for missionary activities in underdeveloped countries, especially Peru. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 1021 McCarthy Blvd. North, in Regina, SK, on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Dennis Vavrek, ofm, Provincial Minister for the Franciscans of Western Canada, presiding. Everyone is welcome to a reception in the parish hall immediately following the Mass. A Prayer Service and interment will be held on Friday, November 8, 2013, 10:30 a.m. at Mount St. Francis Retreat Centre, in Cochrane, AB. If friends and family so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Franciscan Missionary Union or to St. Michael’s Retreat & Ministries Inc., P.O. Box 220, Lumsden, SK, S0G 3C0. To leaver an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com