Vale Fr. Justin Ives CP
Fr. Justin (Peter) Ives CP
21.04.1941 - 25.11.2009
A TRIBUTE by Stan O'Loughlin
Passionist Father Justin Ives CP passed into Eternal Life on 25th November after a short final illness. Father Justin struggled with multiple serious health problems for many years. However this never prevented him from reaching out with sincere care and consideration for others. A member of the Passionist order and professed for just over 50 years, Father Justin spent many years in South Australia and was known and respected throughout this diocese and far beyond. He was familiar to many people from various parishes who visit the Monastery from time to time including many members of our parish. His good works have been spread far and wide - good works with a knock-on effect.
This web-minister had the privilege of a close association and friendship with Father Justin. For many years we co-authored The Monastery website. For a long time when Father Justin was unable to celebrate Mass publicly, I was honoured to be with him when he celebrated Mass privately. Over the time I knew him we shared many joys, sorrows and laughs.
Father Justin was regarded as an expert in Canon Law and worked on The Marriage Tribunal for about 20 years. His ministry, however followed many other calls and paths such as various chaplaincies. Chaplaincies included Coolock House, Carmel and St. Raphael's Home at Myrtle Bank. He was also a confessor, counsellor, advisor and pastoral carer, and tended to the sick and dying along with other priestly functions. He filled the role of bursar at The Monastery for many years. In earlier years he had been a Community Leader. Here in Adelaide he championed and led in the formation of Passionist Companions. In recent months, despite his health limitations, Fr. Justin spent time with people who have been sick and dying.
Father Justin, originally from Perth, was a keen supporter of Fremantle Football Club (The AFL Dockers). He joined the Minor Seminary at the age of 13 where he completed his high schooling before seminary studies and profession. He was ordained on 2nd January 1965. His gentle, kind, loving and genial nature endeared him to people with whom he came into contact.
During the first 30 or so hours of Father Justin's final hospitalisation of just over 2½ days, he was able to recognise and briefly respond to people both present and on the mobile phone held near his ear. Father Justin's sister, Judy and her husband Ian came from Perth to be with him and also his nephew Chris and his wife Lila from Sydney. When he parted this life into God's loving care late Wednesday afternoon he was surrounded by the love and presence of family and friends.
Those who had farewelled Fr. Justin by visit or phone, included family, bishops, priests, nuns, classmates and fellow Passionists - some of who flew into Adelaide to be with him in his dying - and many others. He said goodbye to several friends and in doing so many times generously showed his care for them. He thanked me and other friends for being a good friend to him. Tributes have come from far and wide from within Australia and overseas. Father Justin was a great and good man. He had truly followed in the footsteps of his dear Lord and St. Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionists. Faithful to his calling as a Passionist he carried his cross - the burden of illness and suffering - with great courage and love whilst sharing the crosses of others with love and compassion.
May his gentle and generous soul rest in peace in the loving embrace of God.
A links relating to Fr. Justin:
http://theswag.org.au/2009/12/justin-ives-cp/
