Prions pour le P. Bernhard Rudolf

Bien chers Confrères,

Voici un message urgent du Père Général, sur l'état de santé du RP. Bernhard Rudolf, ancien économe général... il y a exactement un an, le P. Rudolf était présent à nos côtés à Lomé, toujours souffrant du cancer, mais présent à l'occasion de l'assemblée zonale AFRAM.  

Aujourd'hui, il est pratiquement paralysé et allité, et en communauté de St Augustin... Tout en le remerçiant pour le grand service qu'il a rendu à la Société, tout en le félicitant pour le bon confrère qu'il était/est, le Père Général nous demande de prier pour le père Rudolf... Les médecins-traitant lui donnent un ou deux mois de temps de vie, à la rigueur jusqu'à six mois....! Seigneur, écoute nous, exauce nous....

Joseph Kallanchira

TO ALL CONFRERES OF THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE  WORD

In re: Health Situation of Fr. Bernhard Rudolf

Dear Confreres, 

In circular letter S01/2010, dated 07 May 2010, I announced the appointment of Fr. Stephan Gerdes as the Society’s new Treasurer General after the resignation from this position of Fr. Bernhard Rudolf for health reasons. With this circular letter, I wish to update you on the health situation of Fr. Rudolf.

Since the end of November 2010, Fr. Rudolf has been in St. Augustin in Germany for his regular treatment. After the last medical tests made only last week, the doctors have discovered that the cancer has now spread throughout his body. It has affected particularly his spinal column, resulting in a partial paralysis of the body, from the breast down to the legs. Consequently, Fr. Rudolf is now bed-ridden and needs round-the-clock nursing care. The doctors have also told him that he no longer has much time, perhaps one or two months, or six months at the most. Fr. Rudolf, however, continues to be mentally alert and able to move the upper parts of his body.

I ask everyone for special prayers for our confrere, who has served the Society so well, not only during his 16 years as Treasurer General, but also throughout his life as a Divine Word Missionary. He needs our prayers and deserves our thanks.

I take this opportunity to profoundly and sincerely thank Fr. Bernhard Rudolf for his joyous life among us, for his generous work for our Society, and for his unselfish service to God and God’s people. Bernhard, our Society has been tremendously enriched by your life and mission among us and among God’s people. May the Divine Word reward you abundantly now and in eternity.

Fraternally in the Divine Word,

Antonio M. Pernia, SVD
Superior General