IN MEMORY:
FR. LONGARD MACLEAN, S.F.M.
1935 – 2002

Summer 2002

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Fr. “Longie” MacLean passed away on Saturday, June 1, at the Ajax and Pickering Health Centre. Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, on July 17, 1935, he was the beloved son of the late John and Isabel MacLean, brother of Donald and Cecil, both of Nova Scotia, and the late John, Thomas, William, Roderick, Peter, and Martha Bradley.

He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1957 and entered Scarboro Missions later that year. Ordained in 1961 by Bishop William Power, Fr. Longie was assigned to the island of Leyte in the southern part of the Philippines where Scarboro missionaries had been serving since 1954.

After language study at the San Carlos University, Fr. Longie served in several Leyte parishes until 1968 when he returned to Canada as a delegate to the Scarboro Missions Fourth General Chapter. After Chapter he served as house coordinator at the Society’s central house in Scarborough, Ontario. Fr. Longie also served as chaplain at St. Joseph’s Health Centre and assisted at St. Boniface and St. Bartholomew parishes in Scarborough, St. Eugene’s parish in Hamilton, and St. Mary’s parish in Oshawa.

From his early days of priesthood in the Philippines, Fr. Longie suffered from bipolar disorder which characteristically intensified as he grew older. Yet, despite his struggles he continued to dedicate his life to pastoral ministry which he loved. In turn, Fr. Longie was loved by many whom he served in the Philippines and in Canada, and by his Scarboro community. He was a confidant to many, especially immigrants from the Philippines. He journeyed with them in this very personal and priestly ministry. A recent letter from a friend witnesses to Fr. Longie’s love of people: “…the Lord chose Fr. MacLean to bear a unique cross ministering to many and in turn being loved and revered by many.”

Scarboro Missions extends a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Whitby Health Centre for their professionalism and love for Fr. MacLean while he was in their care.

The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection was held on June 4 at the chapel at Scarboro Missions. Fr. MacLean was buried at Queen of the Angels Cemetery on the grounds of St. Augustine’s Seminary in Scarborough. May he rest in peace.

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