BR. JOHN MEADE (1945-2011)

John Meade

It’s been a little over a month now since Br John Meade died peacefully in his sleep. Come to think of it there is no other way that John could have passed on but peacefully.

During the assembly [1st-6th May] the Brothers district with deep sorrow had the ritual and time recall the memories of Br. John.

 On the 14 th May, 2011, Masses of people who knew John gathered to celebrate his life at St. Ignatius Parish.It was a sorrowful and joyful moment to celebrate the Eucharist in Memory of John


In Attendance were the Irish Ambassador, Priest, Religious Women and Men, Staff from Catholic secretariat, Parishioners and several others who knew and were influenced by his life.
And at about 100 people on this Day visited and shared a cup of Tea.The District and Zambia will deeply miss John.

Speech on John

 “Brother John demonstrated great commitment and dedication to his vocation and was always in good humour despite the many challenges faced. I am very much aware of the unique contribution made by Brother John over many, many years to development here in Zambia, particularly to the education sector. I also have some very fond memories of my own engagement with him during my short time here in Zambia. We will miss him. He is a great loss to the Irish community in Zambia, to the Christian Brothers, and to the communities that he worked with. Ní feicimid a leithead ann arís.”

John at a Liturgy at the ISC, 2005

John was a man of prayer and he was most gracious in acknowledging the support he felt from knowing that others were praying with him and for him. During the course of his recent illness his spirit never once dropped below the horizon of despair. Always, he was positive. Always, he was empowering others by his genuine encouragement. John was a big man in so many ways, and a big Christian Brother. His affectionate nickname among us was ‘the Bwana’ – the Big Boss. We are proud of John and we give thanks to God for the many years that he served the people of Zambia. In a very special way we thank his brothers and sisters for the gift of John to us. He was our brother and our friend, and he led us fearlessly to be advocates for justice for the poor. 

May he rest in peace.