BERIAULT, Reverend Father Marshal - Passed away on Saturday, October 20, 2018.
Father Beriault was born in 1926 in Midland Ontario one of 6 children.
He entered the seminary in 1947.
Following his ordination in 1954 Father Beriault’s first appointment was St Ann’s parish in Penatanguishene then he was transferred to the parish of his birth – St Margaret’s in Midland.
He was assistant to Father Ralph Egan. Father said he was a huge influence in his priestly life. Father Egan taught him to love the poor and to find the stray sheep. Father was given the task to build a Catholic high school in Midland which he accomplished and it was named St Theresa’s.
In 1957 Father was transferred to Holy Cross parish in Oshawa, it was here that he achieved what he considered a major accomplishment. In the summers of 1962 and 1963, while enrolled in theology courses in Chicago, he was introduced to the Cursillo movement. He was given permission to establish the Cursillo in Toronto. It began with a handful of members and remains active in the Toronto Archdiocese today.
His next move was to St Leo’s in Mimico where he was appointed assistant to Father John Markle. Upon Father Markles’s death, Father assumed the duties of pastor.
In 1979 he was transferred to St Jude’s on Weston Road, it was a large parish, many of them Italians, and he wanted to serve them properly. So Father spent 3 months in Italy in a failed attempt to learn the language.
Three years later in 1982 he was appointed pastor of St Rose of Lima parish. He was told 2800 families would be under his spiritual care. However, it turned out to be 6000 families. How would he cope? Father realized only God could help him, so he started perpetual adoration in the parish which exists at St Rose of Lima to this day.
In 1996 Father requested a smaller parish, perhaps something in the country. He was sent Angus, Ontario. While there a new church called Our Lady of Grace was constucted.
In 2001 Father retired. He teamed up with a former assistant Fr Jim McManamy at St Joseph’s parish. When Fr McManamy was appointed pastor at Precious Blood, Fr followed, and then on to St Boniface for a short time until moving into the Houses of Providence in 2007.
Father was grateful for the Shepherds’ Trust and those who contributed to it. He often stated “I gladly worked my fingers to the bone for the church and now the diocese is taking care of me. The Shepherds’ Trust is another sign of God’s love for me. Retirement is my great reward”. A special thank you to Marisa Rogucki Coordinator of Retired Diocesan Priests for all her amazing help with Father.
As well, thank you to Carol Vanderburg, for her constant care and support over many years.
Thank You to the wonderful nursing and care giving staff at the Houses of Providence especially to the staff on the 4th floor Oak House.
May God Bless all of you for the special care and the love you have shown Father over the 11 years in residence.
Visitation will take place at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3216 Lawrence Ave. East Toronto on Thursday, October 25th 2018 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 6:00pm - 8:00pm. The funeral mass will be held in the church on Friday, October 26th, 2018 at 11:00am, Interment at Midland.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Providence Healthcare Scarborough Ontario, or to the Shepherd’s Trust.
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