DAQUO Robert (Father) - France

Father Robert Daquo has just died. Today we his friends have come here to accompany him in this funeral Mass. I would like to present briefly Fr Daquo’s life; beside it would be an insult to him to spend too much time talking about all that he did, such was the extent of his humility and discretion. However Fr Daquo would deserve some measure of recognition on his qualities, both human and spiritual; without seeming to try, he could make contacts by a simple smile, an action, teasing, (remember him in the middle of the young college students who really appreciated him!)  As for the teachers one of them said “As long as the Daquo brothers are around, the college will function”.
Yet Fr Daquo felt deeply the sadness of others; he would enquire for news about one or another that he knew to be in difficulties!  For us he has been an example of a true son of St Michael Garicoits, able to keep to his own place without being an embarrassment, or a “patraque” as St Michael used to say.
In the Retirement Home he was often to be found in the chapel where he would spend long moments alone with the Lord.
He spent 19 years in the Retirement Home from 1993 - 2012; in the college as secretary-bursar he spent 30 years from 1963 - 1993; at Bel Sito he spent six years from 1958 - 1963.  He also spent a short period of time at the Apostolicat after his studies in Rome.
The two terms - brilliant and luminous - are often contrasted. Robert was brilliant for he had passed all his diplomas in Canon Law, archivist and Librarian, but he was also luminous by the presence of interior grace.
Of course we shall pray for him, but our prayer will also be a prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude.

Bidding Prayer
- Fr Robert Daquo has shown us the way of self-sacrifice, of humility and of service. Let us ask the Lord , for our families and our religious communities, to live out these same evangelical virtues in peace and with trust.
- The Daughters of the Cross and the Betharram religious have been and still are very close in the missions.  Let us pray for our two congregations called to the service of mankind today, that we may continue to express our love for God and for the world.
- In Retirement Homes or hospitals and clinics, self sacrifice is not an empty expression; it is a lifetime vocation. Let us pray that this fire may not  be extinguished but be communicated to others, for it is the fire of the Holy Spirit.
- Fr Daquo has met up with his family, and especially the brother from whom he could hardly be separated.. Let us pray for his family who accompanied him during his last illness; let us pray for his friends, especially those who have not been able to be here for this funeral Mass, I want to mention especially Fr Gaston Hiale who sent us a message and who is closely united with us tonight.