Rest in peace, Padre Juanito

Fr. John carrying the cross in the Good Friday
 service in San José Tecoh parish.

The Reverend John Robert Burke, age 85, died early Tuesday morning, February 5, 2013 at his residence at The Highlands at Brighton, Rochester, New York.  He was ordained a priest on May 27, 1954 at Saint Peter Cathedral, Erie, by the Most Reverend Edward P. McManaman.  He had many assignments in parishes in the Erie Diocese as well as teaching assignments in various local colleges. He served the poor as part of the Mission of Friendship  in Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico in the 1980’s and 90’s. His primary concern was to provide comfort and consolation to the sick in the hospitals of Mérida where he regularly visited.  In this ministry, he worked in conjunction with the Sisters of Charity in their hospice for the sick next to the hospital.  He also assisted several pastors in parishes in the poorest neighborhoods of Mérida.  His kindness, simplicity and solidarity with the poor will be remembered by many in the Erie Diocese as well as  in Yucatan.

Rest in peace, Padre Juanito.

Fr. John celebrating Palm Sunday liturgy in Mexico.

Father John with Mission of Friendship staff and guests in1994.