Obituary of Fr. Bernard Massicotte

Fr. Bernard Massicotte, OSB Cam, peacefully entered eternal life during the afternoon of May 25th, 2011, following a long illness. Born Jean Jacques Massicotte on July 1, 1928 in Amos, Quebec, Fr. Bernard had one brother (Albert) and one sister (Pauline.) Charles Edouard, his father, worked for the Canadian National Railway and Alida Matte, his mother, was a homemaker. From 1950 to 1952 Fr. Bernard was with the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles, studying and teaching mathematics. He pursued theological studies for this missionary Order in Rome from 1952 to 1954, and finished his studies at the Grand Seminaire. Ordained a diocesan priest in 1957, he continued to work for Fr. Eusebe Menard, OFM and his Missionaries of the Holy Apostles. In 1964, Fr. Bernard came to New Camaldoli Hermitage. Fr. Clement Roggi was Prior at the time. Fr. Bernard entered novitiate under Fr. Joseph Diemer and professed vows on October 15, 1965. He became cellarer and bookkeeper. Fr. Bernard took care of the bookstore and gift Shop for some time, and started the Hermitage gift shop in Carmel. He was also Guestmaster. In many ways, Fr. Bernard was the public face of the community, and traveling up and down the state of California, getting the best possible ingredients for our fruit and datenut cakes. Well known by many merchants in Monterey, Carmel and Salinas, and especially well known by the Big Sur community, Fr. Bernard always had a friendly smile, a quick wit, and was generous to a fault ? frequently bringing the homeless and poor to the Hermitage for a meal or shelter. He was close to many people, and offered spiritutual direction and practical advice to countless people over the years. Ever faithful to prayer and Eucharist, up until his last months he could be seen taking his daily walk. Fr. Bernard is survived by his confreres here at the Hermitage, his brother Albert Massicotte, his cousin Loui Massicotte, and many other relatives and friends. Viewing will take place from 3-5pm on Tuesday, May 31st at the Hermitage, with a Vespers/Wake service following at 6 pm. The Mass of the Resurrection will be Wednesday June 1st at 10 am at the Hermitage. Burial will be at the Hermitage.