RIP: Br. Henry Howaniec OFM, Bishop of Almaty, Kazakhstan

Br. Henry Howaniec embraced Sister Death on Good Friday, March 30, 2018, in the 87th year of his life, the 66th year of his religious profession, the 62nd year of his priestly ordination and the 17th year of his episcopal ordination. Br. Henry was born on February 14, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois and entered the Franciscans of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province, Pulaski, Wisconsin in 1948, receiving the religious name, Theophil. In 1967 Br. Henry made his way to our General Curia, Rome, Italy where he assumed his new responsibilities in the offices of the General Secretary, Protocal, and Translations. While in Rome he studied at the Antonianum, and at the Christian Russian Center in Bergamo, Italy. In 1993 Br. Henry was missioned to Kazakhstan and engaged in pastoral ministry in Almaty, the ancient capital of Kazakhstan, where five friars served the church in various activities, including pastoral care, management of an orphanage, preparation for and administration of the sacraments and medical services. Br. Henry was named head of the Apostolic Administration of Almaty on September 26, 1999 and named Bishop of Almaty with a titular see of Acolla on October 18, 2000. Bishop Henry left Kazakhstan for the United States to renew his visa with the intention of returning to Almaty. He became ill and was never able to realize his dream. His last days were spent at the Milwaukee Catholic Home where he embraced Sister Death. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 4, 2018. Burial at the ABVM Provincial Cemetery, Pulaski, Wisconsin.

May the soul of our brother, Henry, rest in the peace of Christ, Amen.