USA, Stockbridge, Mass: Br. Frederick Wells, MIC, passed away

On September 9, 2015 (Memorial of St. Peter Claver) at the Marian Fathers' residence in Stockbridge, MA, weakened by an advanced age, Bro. Charles Frederick Wells, Jr., MIC, passed away at the age of 88. Fortified by the Sacraments of the Church and surrounded by the prayers and care of his confreres and hospice nurses, Bro. Fred peacefully breathed his last and entered the Father's house. A veteran of the concluding days of WWII, Bro. Fred left his family in Richmond, VA, and entered the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception in 1955. After a six-month postulancy and one year of novitiate, Bro. Fred professed his first religious vows in 1957 and final vows on February 2, 1960, the feast of Mary's Purification and Our Lord's Presentation in the Temple.

An accountant by profession, immediately after his first profession, Bro. Fred assumed the position of the head accountant at the Marian Helpers Center, which he held and fulfilled diligently for over 24 years. Musically talented he uplifted many hearts to God and imbued them with beauty. In addition, possessing a good deal of common sense and a great sensitivity to matters spiritual and pastoral, Brother Fred not only served the community in various ministries, such as: Provincial Councilor, local Superior, Assistant Novice Master and a local treasurer, but also the inner city poor, the homebound, the prisoners, and the elderly.

Gregarious by nature, his desire was to build people up and bring them hope and joy. To accomplish this task Bro. Fred shared the Lord's love for them through the tenderness of his heart, humor, material and spiritual blessings. May the Lord Jesus welcome Bro. Fred into the company of His Immaculate Mother, St. Joseph and all the holy men and women who share in the Banquet of Eternal Life.

Brother Fred is survived by his nieces Maria Barrow and JoEllen Dowdy (Otis), great nephews Zach Brittle (Rebecca) and Justin Brittle (Kristin), and great great nieces Abi, Mackenzie, Mari and Reagan Brittle.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charles F. and Maria B. Wells, sisters Mary I. Wells, Ruth Audrey Wells, Ellen Barrow (John), and brother William F. Wells (Mae).

Viewing and wake service will take place from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, September 11 at the Marian Fathers' Monastery adjacent to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy and the Mass of Christian Burial will also take place at the National Shrine on Saturday, September 12, at 10:30 a.m., located at 2 Prospect Hill Road (Eden Hill), Stockbridge, MA. Marian House telephone 413 298-3931.

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