Bethlehem University in the Holy Land, Chapel of the Divine Child, Saturday, 3 May 2008

I have been asked to say just a few words at the beginning of today’s Mass for the repose of the soul of Brother Vincent Malham, FSC.  Of course, we will have a more elaborate ceremony later, but it is natural that immediately after we have heard such sad news, that we gather in prayer, to express our gratitude to God for allowing us to share for a time in the life of this great Christian Brother. 

I happened to be the one who answered the telephone call this morning when Brother Francis Carr, the Provincial of the Midwest Province of the Christian Brothers, called to let us know of Brother Vincent’s death.  I was shocked, as I know you all were, to receive this very sad news. 

We remember Brother Vincent as being so full of life and energy.  As we walk this campus we see his mark everywhere – in the flowers he had planted, in the buildings he planned and had built or renovated, in the roads and plazas that he planned, in the students he loved and served, in the faculty and staff that he worked with to make this University a great institution.

Even here in the chapel we see the pews he had painted and padded, the chairs in the sanctuary that he had recovered, the beautiful floor which he had exposed and  in the new heating system which he wanted so badly, (especially on cold winter days). We also recall that it was here in this chapel where he played his last concert in Bethlehem. 

We were lucky to have had such a man with us for nine years.  So today we thank God for those years, we thank God for the blessings that Brother Vincent brought to us and we ask God especially to receive Brother Vincent with open arms at the end of a very full and wonderful life. 

We are confident that God will receive Brother Vincent since he was also a man of prayer and deep faith.  We also ask God to take care of Brother Vincent’s family, his brothers and sister, as well as his religious family, the Christian Brothers at the most difficult time of separation. 

Now let us begin the Mass for the repose of the soul of Brother Vincent Malham.

Brother Neil Kieffe, FSC

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I was shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of Brother Vincent Malham, FSC.  I had the privilege of serving with Brother Vincent when he was President-Vice Chancellor at Bethlehem University from 1997-2005. 

Brother Vincent was an outstanding leader, artistically gifted, with a great care and concern for faculty, staff and students.  He was a man of vision, deeply committed to the mission of Bethlehem University and able to adjust to many challenges and difficulties. 

Brother Vincent Malham was a gift to the Christian Brothers and to Bethlehem University.

May he rest in peace.

Brother Cyril Litecky, FSC