Christ Beside Me
Christ beside me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me King of my heart;
Christ within me, Christ below me,
Christ above me never to part.
Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand,
Christ all around me shield in strife;
Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting,
Christ in my rising light of my life.
. Christ beside me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me King of my heart;
Christ within me, Christ below me,
Christ above me never to part.
(The Irish Saint Patrick)
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Sister Raymonde Cobein preparing for the Memorial Mass for Brother Fergus McArdle |
Bethlehem University Remembers Brother Fergus J. McArdle
14 December 2007
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The Christian Brothers Community, Bethlehem University Students, Faculty and Staff and Bethlehem residents gathered together in the University Chapel of the Divine Child to remember Brother Fergus J. McArdle, former Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bethlehem University.
Brother Fergus, who worked at Bethlehem University between 2003 and 2006, passed away at the age of 58 on the morning of Thursday, December 13, in Ireland due to a brain tumor.
During the mass held by Father Peter Du Brul and Father Jacoub Abu Sa’ada, Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Development, reflected on his colleague and friend he had known for almost 20 years. “We all have fond memories of his smile, his laughter, his little gifts and thoughtful gestures – all of this, in addition to his tremendous professionalism and his educational leadership. Our hearts ache with the pain of losing a friend all too soon – for he was too young and too full of life”. |
Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Development, reflecting upon his memories with Br. Fergus |
Dr. Moin Halloun, Chairperson for the Department of Arabic, recalled the graduation ceremony of June 2006 when he became aware that Brother Fergus would leave Bethlehem University due to health problems. He remembered him “looking at the Faculty Members and then at the students, one by one, participating in their happiness on that day”.
“The mission of every teacher is to touch the heart of the people”, Brother Jack said, referring to a principle of Jean Baptiste De La Salle, adding, “Brother Fergus is someone who realized this principle in his daily live.” Brother Fergus’ unique ability to engage with people has elicited numerous messages of condolence and support, sent by government representatives, consulates, professors at universities, Brothers and other Lasallian colleagues, friends, alumni, benefactors and donors from all over the world.
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Dr. Moin Halloun, Chairperson for the Department of Arabic, recalling his last days with Br. Fergus |
Among them was Reverend Stuart MacQuarrie from the University of Glasgow, who expressed his solidarity with the Bethlehem University Community. “I liked his attitude of firm compassion and sheer determination to make university education available to young Palestinians who were denied it because of the politics and the military rule of the occupation. May Fergus rest in peace”, Rev. Stuart said.
Brother Jack concluded, “When our hearts ache, our faith comforts us, because it is not the end. For sure, he is now at home – in greener fields with the Lord who is his shepherd at his side – Brother Fergus is at home in greener fields than any of the beautiful green fields of his native Ireland. He is at peace with our God and the suffering has come to an end. For this we give thanks to God!”
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