One of our capuchin religious, Br. Robert Rivet , left us for the Heavenly Mariapolis on December 3rd.
He got to know the Ideal in Montreal at the end of the 1960’s, in the first meetings of the Movement at
the Chapel of the Reparation. We are full of gratitude for Robert’s life. We are losing a builder of unity on
earth and finding one in heaven. As Br. Real said of him: “ Br. Robert always lived the challenges he
experienced because of his poor health, with total faithfulness to Jesus Forsaken.”
Here is an extract of the profile read out at his funeral service, held on December 13th at
the Chapel of the Reparation in Pointe-aux-Trembles.
Brother Robert was born on the 4th of November, 1948, in Pointe-aux-Trembles. His family had close ties
with the life of the parish and with the Chapel of the Reparation.
As a child, Robert frequently accompanied his father to the parish church or to the Capuchin monastery.
He was present when his uncle set off to be a missionary. It is not surprising, therefore, that young Robert
was attracted by the Franciscan spirituality and the religious life of the Capuchins. He became part of the lay
Franciscan order, then known as the Third Order. Wishing to become a Capuchin missionary, he became
a postulant in 1968 but health concerns obliged him to abandon this goal. In fact, Brother Robert suffered
from anxiety that made him sensitive to the stress caused by important changes. The Franciscans therefore
suggested that he resume his commitment as a secular Franciscan and live at least for a while within the fraternity
of the Reparation. He remained there for 51 years!
The Chapel of the Reparation in Pointe-aux-Trembles, Montréal
Although this situation must have caused him inner suffering, Robert accepted it and remained faithful for the rest
of his life with great humility.
During all these years, he participated in the prayer life of the Capuchin community.
He was happy to live with his brothers and to always be of service to the community and to the Shrine of the Sacred Heart
and of Saint Padre Pio. He was an example of dedication, patience and faithfulness in his everyday tasks.
In the 70’s he came into contact with the Focolare Movement . Robert lived the spirituality of unity and took part regularly i
n the Word of Life gatherings. The Movement nourished and strengthened his spiritual life.
Robert was a most pleasant companion who loved to laugh and he fulfilled his daily obligations with reliability and patience.
His humility and devotion remind us, along with many other saintly Capuchins, that love for one’s brothers is not always
expressed through words, but rather through daily service often done without fuss and with little acknowledgement.
Service is where the deepest aspirations of religious life are fulfilled: the gift of self for one’s brothers and the gradual t
ransformation through the openness to Christ’s life reborn in us. In his own way, Br. Robert achieved his childhood dream of
becoming a Capuchin ! May our Father, St. Francis welcome him among his brothers for all eternity!
From left to right: Pascal Bedros, Brother Gilles Lemieux, Brother Robert Rivet, Andre Heeren during
a visit to Ste Dorothée where Robert spent the last days of his life.
