Brother John Johnston FSC, 1933-2007
Brother John Johnston FSC, former superior general of the Christian Brothers, passed away on Thursday, October 11 2007.
A frequent visitor to Saint Mary's College, Brother John led various faith formation activities on campus. In 1992, he delivered a keynote address (see below) on "The Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Apostolate of Higher Education."
In 1999, Brother John was honored by the College and presented the Man of Faith and Zeal Award. At the ceremony, he delivered a formal address on "Promoting Lasallian Higher Education Through Shared Mission" to the assembled faculty, staff and students.
Several Brothers at the College worked directly with Brother John. As director of the Secoli (Mission Office) in Rome, Brother Dominic Berardelli reported to him. As vice chancellor of Bethlehem University, and again as secretary general to the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Brother Ronald Gallagher reported directly to Brother John in his last years as superior general of the Brothers.
A graduate of Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, Tenn. and Saint Mary's College in Winona, Minn., Brother John worked as a high school teacher, school administrator and director of the Order's Student Brothers.
He was appointed provincial of the St. Louis District of the Christian Brothers in 1971, vicar general of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools Order in Rome in 1976, and in 1986 he was named the superior general of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, overseeing the work of the Christian Brothers throughout the world.
His funeral will be held in Memphis, Tenn. on Oct. 17 and 18. Brother Alvaro Rodriquez, the current Superior General of the Brothers, and the Vicar General Brother Thomas, will be in attendance.
- Read Brother John's speech at Saint Mary's College of California
July 13, 1992 (PDF) - Brother John Johnston Homily
October 18, 2007 (PDF)
