On Ash Wednesday, March 5, a gentle, humble and brilliant soul sadly left this earth, ironically after receiving his ashes. Father Francis X. Mawn, former pastor of Corpus Christi Parish, now named Holy Rosary Shrine, was called home. God gently and lovingly whispered his name and took him peacefully. Our Holy Rosary/Corpus Christi community lost a unique leader, special priest and an especially good friend. Those close to him knew his profound empathy and saw his talent for bringing comfort to those in need. In his never-ending service to God, Father Mawn made a huge difference in the numerous lives that he touched on a daily basis. He generously gave himself to the poor, the sick and to those who suffered spiritually and emotionally. Our dear Father Mawn was a pillar of strength to all he served. He was filled with abundant faith, tremendous knowledge and most of all, a great devotion to God.

When the Corpus Christi rectory (Father’s Mawn’s home) burned in 2021, he miraculously escaped the fire unscathed. Although our church itself did not burn, it did sustain much smoke and water damage, so Mass could not be held in the building. Father Mawn immediately sprang into action to get our parish center ready to hold all our holy services there to ensure his devoted parishioners could attend Mass immediately after the devastating fire. During that dark time, we were all filled with spiritual anxiety and uncertainty, but Father Mawn remained calm and selflessly made us all feel safe knowing our church and all our devotions and feasts would continue. Even though he lost everything in the fire except for the clothes on his back, he didn’t care; all he truly was concerned about was the well-being of his parishioners. I truly believe that Father Mawn was saved from the scorching flames and the thick black smoke that awful night because God continued to need him to lead us, His faithful servants.

When our church was able to reopen, Father Mawn devotedly served every Mass, even though he was in failing health and even though he was the only priest we had at Corpus Christi. When his health noticeably began to worsen, he continued to say Mass as best he could, seated instead of standing, but he never complained and always had a smile. Although he left this world much too soon, his spirit remains. Our hearts are filled with sadness from losing him, but we are also filled with great joy for having known him and immense gratitude for his service to us all.

He will never be forgotten, nor will his humorous anecdotes and gift of wit.

Rest well, dear friend. Good and faithful servant, your job here is done. You are home.

–Wayne and Connie Pickles