In Loving Memory: Msgr. Bernard A. Powers
On Friday, October 25th, 2024, a very special soul passed from this world to the arms of the Father. Msgr. Bernard Powers was a priest of the Diocese of Owensboro, a Passionist Oblate, and a dearly beloved friend and longtime confessor of our community. Almost since the beginning of our monastery’s foundation in the 1940s, he has been close to our Sisters and has served us in so many ways - from helping with monastery “odd jobs” as a seminarian, to offering cherished spiritual direction for several generations of Passionist nuns!
A story is told about our Foundress, Mother Mary Agnes Roche, in the “early days.” Seeing that young Fr. Powers had the potential to become a skilled spiritual director, she began “feeding” him books by the great spiritual masters along with his breakfast after he celebrated Masses at the monastery. Monsignor, with his inimitable sense of humor, would later joke that after a while he decided, “Well, I suppose I’d better read these …”! Mother’s foresight was accurate, and for more than half a century Father - eventually, Monsignor - Powers was a beloved spiritual director, confessor, and retreat master for our Sisters and for many others.
His penetrating insight in the confessional and during spiritual direction was a profound grace for those who experienced it. He often wouldn’t respond right away, but would gaze at the crucifix for a moment, obviously seeking the Lord’s guidance in directing that particular soul. One of our elder Sisters believes that Monsignor’s advice saved her vocation when she was struggling as a novice. A couple who made a retreat under him was also convinced that he saved their troubled marriage. Many of Monsignor’s retreatants loved him so much that they would return year after year to make retreats under his direction!
A contemplative soul, Msgr. Powers had a deep affinity for our Passionist Charism. He joined our Passionist Oblates, making his Act of Oblation on June 26, 2005, and his unique Oblate name, “John Paul Sharing the Interior Life through the Passion of Jesus Christ,” really sums up his spirituality. When he would come to say Mass for us, he would arrive early to spend time in prayer. Sisters would come into chapel to see him already there, seated in the pew, facing slightly to the left, with his head down, in stillness and prayer.
Monsignor loved to write poetry and published two books of poems, both serious and humorous. In his last years, he lived in the Carmel Home retirement facility in Owensboro, and it was there that he returned his soul to the Lord whom he had served so faithfully throughout life.
There are countless other “Monsignor stories” that our Sisters could tell you. His mannerisms (“WELL …”), his style of teaching, and his ubiquitous red sweater have become an integral part of community lore! We miss him profoundly, and yet we rejoice that his earthly exile is now over. Please join us in praying for the repose of his soul, and that God may richly reward him for his many years of loving dedication!
