Last Updated: Tuesday - 01/04/2011

Fund set up to honour former seminary rector

EDMONTON — The Foundation of Newman Theological College has set up a memorial fund to honour the memory of the former rector of St. Joseph's Seminary who died a year ago.

The Father Jean Papen Memorial Fund was set up May 27, the first anniversary of the death of the Prince Albert, Sask., priest who served the seminary for five years, including three years as rector.

The fund has been established as an endowment - only the interest is used to support the college, the principal is never touched.

Including a life insurance policy Papen bought prior to his death to support the college as well as donations from his family and friends, the principal of the fund is now about $20,000.

"This is a wonderful way to honour, not only the man, but his work, the formation of future priests," says the seminary's new rector, Father Luc Bouchard.

Papen was thoroughly dedicated to the work of the seminary. A week before his death, he was trying to complete evaluations for new seminarians and promising to keep speaking engagements.

His sister, Sister Suzanne Papen, recalled, "One of the last sentences Jean said the evening before he passed away was, 'I have always been happy as a priest.' I know he would wish the same happiness and fulfillment for all the men who answer the call to serve the people of God.

"We both hope that this fund will keep his memory and the fire of his zeal alive and burning," she said for herself and her brother Robert.

The fund has been approved by Edmonton Archbishop Thomas Collins and Prince Albert Bishop Blaise Morand.

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