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In Memoriam

Father Burns was a quiet man who, year after year, did good ministry in his own quiet way. He touched the lives of many people.

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. Robert L. Burns, SJ, who died on September 10, 2013, in Omaha, Neb. He was 88 years old, a Jesuit for 70 years, and a priest for 56 years. May he rest in peace.

Born in Omaha on August 16, 1925, Fr. Burns attended St. John’s Grade School and Creighton Preparatory School before entering the Society of Jesus at Florissant, Mo., on August 8, 1943. He completed the usual Jesuit course of studies at St. Stanislaus Seminary, St. Louis University, and St. Mary’s College. Father Burns was ordained to the priesthood in St. Mary’s in Kansas on June 19, 1957. After completing tertianship in Decatur, Ill., he professed final vows on August 15, 1960.

Father Burns taught English, Latin, and theology during regency at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, Mo., and at St. Louis University High School in St. Louis. After his ordination, he taught at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee. From 1963 to 1970, he taught theology at Creighton University.

After 1970, his ministry was primarily pastoral, including the Apostleship of Prayer, Charismatic Renewal, and hospital and parish ministry. From 1970 to 1978, he was an associate pastor at St. Benedict the Moor Parish in Omaha, and from 1981 to 1987, he was a hospital chaplain at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The Creighton University Jesuit Community was his home base from 1963 until his death.

Father Burns was a quiet man who, year after year, did good ministry in his own quiet way. He touched the lives of many people. For 50 years, he was a steady and solid member of the Creighton University Jesuit Community. He was a holy and faithful Jesuit priest.

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