In memoriam...

Benejacq (France), 18th April 1925 - Adrogué (Argentina), 20th June 2016

I lived with him at Villa Betharram from March 2014. Distressed strong and persistent stomach pain, the good Father Badie didn’t think he would reach 90 years. He had lived long enough, he said, ... and never imagined he would reach that age... For him the party was over. He was awaiting for the time when the Father would take him and was totally ready. But man’s thoughts are not God's thoughts.

Last October, he was subjected to an operation of the intestines, against the advice of several people. And he recovered well from this operation, thanks to God and his doctors. Equipped with two permanent accessories (colostomy and catheter), he continued his journey.

On April 18, 2015, he celebrated (with astonishment and gratitude!) his 90th birthday.  It was a big Betharramite family celebration: a Mass and good meals, gifts and music... brothers both religious and secular... from far and wide... telephone greetings, e-mails... a thousand congratulations! Hugs of joy, and thanksgiving! And our brother delighted, continued his days among us.

Always faithful to the courses he gave to novices: Fr. Badie wisely dispensed pearls of wisdom old and new from the charism and spirituality of St Michael Garicoits, and from the life and virtues of many Bétharramite religious. He would draw on the treasures of his heart.

He was always attentive to community life: the Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, the rosary and meals too. The daily routine as much as the Festive extras made him so happy: a little ham, a good red wine, a bottle of champagne that reminded him his beloved France, or a TV program (rugby or football...), a film at home or at the cinema... outings with Friends to go for tea and cake at a good pâtisserie, excursions for a few days with the community, (as in Brandsen, in July 2015, or Escobar, this March).

Faithful to personal prayer, he turned the worn pages of his breviary, fingering his rosary tirelessly.

Attentive to the welfare of employees of the community, he was concerned that they receive fair wages, and have their holidays. He willingly put aside some treats for them...

He was a scrupulous observer: he read the instructions on all packs of prescribed drugs, the ingredients and best before dates on all packaged foods He liked to keep informed through the "Feuilles Missionnaires", the "NEF", the daily newspaper as well as political and social magazines. He then liked to discuss these readings.

Personally attentive to the staff who looked after him voluntarily, he had a present for each one of them at Christmastime which he tastefully chose himself from Carrefour next door.

A good shepherd, with great kindness towards his penitents, his advice was always much appreciated! He even received some of them in recent weeks.

He was very close to his original family. Visits to faraway France became increasingly rare but that did not prevent him remaining close to his brothers, nephews and his great-nephews. There was a loving relationship, deep, full of humanity and warmth between them. The messages exchanged with his family when they learned of his departure to the Lord show this clearly.

Loyal to his many friends both male and female. Wherever he lived he forged friendships which he sustained through letters, phone calls and emails.

Father Badie - a strong man, sometimes stubborn - was a true Betharramite of the Ecce Venio, which he lived by facing life’s daily burdens. He was admirable in his commitment to life, a commitment that does not contradict his generous dedication and his willingness to go when the Good Lord decided. On the contrary! That commitment was a clear expression of the gift of his life, and a life given fully to the surprises that each day has in store for us. It was the light of his lamp always shining and bright with perseverance.