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|   Frère Nicet-Joseph,
Pierre-Paul Loubet
Born: 1898
Superior: 1956 - 1966
Died September 25, 1999
Br. John Johnston
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We pay homage today to an extraordinary Brother of the Christian Schools, a man who made an outstanding contribution to the life and mission of the Institute on the international level, first as Director of the Second Novitiate, then as Superior General. I am grateful to the Lord for the grace of being present today as representative of our Brothers throughout the world.
 It was not long ago, in February of the year 1998, that I had the joy of participating with Brother Nicet - and with many of you - in the celebration of his 100th birthday. The heart of that magnificent occasion was, I think, the beautiful discourse that Brother Nicet delivered with lucidity, joy, and enthusiasm - and without glasses or microphone! Surely Brother Michel Dumont, Director, helped him to compose that speech - but every word of it was Brother Nicet. As we listened - with astonishment - we recalled other occasions on which he had expressed in a similar manner the same thoughts and sentiments. How blessed we are to have a video-cassette recording of that address.
Many of us recalled in our public remarks that Brother Nicet-Joseph was elected to a life-term in 1956 - forty-two years ago! But the General Chapter of 1966 honored his wish to resign after ten years. That was thirty-two years ago! I was only thirty-three years of age at the time. To those of you who knew Brother Nicet far better than I, I leave the pleasant duty of speaking of his memory in a comprehensive manner. I limit myself to a few very personal comments, some of which I made during the birthday celebration.
Because pastoral visits of Superiors General were far more rare at that time than today, Brother Nicet-Joseph did not visit the United States during the ten years of his mandate. I did have the privilege, however, of meeting him in Rome during my second novitiate in 1963-1964. Observing him in the Generalate chapel, in the corridors, and occasionally in the dining room, I concluded that he was a quiet, reserved, very spiritual, and very ascetic Brother of the Christian Schools.
 He received each of us for a private interview. That encounter confirmed my earlier impressions, but made me aware of other facets of his character. I was surprised and obviously pleased that he spoke with me fluently in my native language. He had spent three years as a young Brother in the United States, the last year of which was the year of my birth. His vivid memories of that experience fascinated me. His impressive knowledge of Brothers from my district who had been his second novices revealed to me his keen and loving interest in their welfare.
My next contact with Brother Nicet was during the General Chapter of 1976. He occupied a desk directly behind my own, making it possible to engage in informal conversation with him from time to time. He was warm and friendly. He went out of his way to compliment me on the address I delivered to the Chapter, and to wish me well at the moment of my election as Vicar General.
Ten years later, immediately after my election as Superior General, Brother Nicet, who was unable to attend the Chapter, wrote me a short, but very personal, handwritten letter. He wrote other such notes over the years, several times expressing his appreciation of my pastoral letters. He always mentioned his earnest prayers for the Institute and for me. Needless to say, this thoughtful attention was encouraging and supportive.
In one of my first activities as Superior General, I participated in the French Regional Assembly at Lorient in July of 1986. During a short stop-over at Rue de Sèvres prior to my return to Rome, Brother Nicet-Joseph came from Athis-Mons to greet me personally. That act of kindness touched me profoundly.
When we received approbation of our new Rule in early 1987, bringing to a close the thirty year process which began during Brother Nicet's period as Superior, I telephoned him immediately. Because of his hearing problem, communication was not easy. Nevertheless, with the help of the Director of the community, he managed to grasp the message. He wrote me a letter expressing his appreciation of the new text, together with his hope that it would be an effective instrument of renewal.
Although we consistently invited him to come to Rome after 1976 - for General Chapters, beatifications, and canonizations - he always asked, with gratitude and respect, to be excused. Nevertheless, I was able to spend some time with him when I visited Athis-Mons during my pastoral visit to the Region of France seven years ago. Wearing his religious habit, he welcomed me and insisted on chatting in English. I was able to tell him that Brothers throughout the Institute, particularly his second novices, asked about him regularly. In fact, Brothers have continued to ask about Brother Nicet-Joseph, manifesting delight when informed of his age and of his generally good health. Brother Nicet persevered through the entire meeting I had with the community at Athis-Mons, but I know that because of his hearing difficulty, he understood little of what was said.
I visited Brother Nicet again on 16 April 1997. Although his deafness made conversation somewhat difficult, I found him to be very lucid and cheerful. I was astounded that he was able to read aloud - in perfect English - a postcard he had just received from a Brother in Ireland. I was greatly amused when he hesitated over one word and remarked that the Brother's handwriting was not very good! I was delighted to discover that he was able to move about the house with his walker. I have a precious photograph of our meeting on that occasion.
 Then there were the two birthday celebrations during the second week of February of the year 1998 - the first for the Brothers of his community, members of his family, personal friends, and dignitaries; the second, for the Brothers of the District of France. I asked Brother Nicet to continue his earnest prayers for the Institute and, in a particular way, to pray for vocations. I know that today Brother Nicet is interceding incessantly for the religious family he loved so dearly and served so faithfully.
May he rest in peace. |
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