Brother Francis Blouin, FIC

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Brother Francis Blouin, a member of the Brothers of Christian Instruction.  Brother Francis died from complications caused by ALS, which he had been struggling with for five years.  Brother Francis was just a month shy of age 88 and was a professed member of the Brothers just a few months short of 70 years.

Brother Francis was born February 9, 1929, in Rumford to Raoul and Marie Blouin. He joined the Brothers of Christian Instruction in 1946. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from LeMennais College, a master’s degree in European history from the Catholic University of America, a Ph.D. in theology from Fordham University, and completed additional graduate studies at Notre Dame University, the University of Detroit, and Highlands College in England.

As an educator, Brother Francis taught in Fall River, MA, and Plattsburgh, NY, before becoming a principal in 1963.  He served in this position until being named provincial in 1970.  Following his term as provincial, he became the third president of Walsh College in Canton OH.  Upon his return to Maine, he served as delegate for religious for the Diocese of Portland before being named to a second term as provincial.  His final endeavor, prior to a diagnosis of ALS, was directing the establishment of Kisubi Brothers University in Uganda.

Delivering a commencement address at Walsh College following his diagnosis, he urged students to make choices that would give meaning to their lives.

"The way we find meaning in life is to devote ourselves to loving others, devote ourselves to the community around us, devote ourselves to something that gives us meaning and purpose," he told them."One cannot substitute material things, money or power for love, gentleness or tenderness, no matter how wealthy we become, or how powerful we become. Unless you're able to share your love with people, you will not lead a meaningful, successful life."

Brother Francis donated his body to science and as such there will be no wake. 

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Brother Francis and for the consolation of his religious community, natural family and many friends.

May his soul and the soul of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen