Br. Stephen RIP

Br. Stephen (88) was called home to the Lord
Wed 13 Feb 2008

Brother Stephen, Cistercian monk Nunraw

John Heenan was born the first of a large family of ten children, 5 boys, 5 girls, of Thomas and Helen Heenan, in Townhead, Glasgow. He was Baptised in the Cathedral Parish of St. Andrew. Br. Stephen is survived by his sisters Betty and Julie and brothers Thomas (Br. Kentigern) and Charles, and nieces and nephews to the third generation.

His first school was the primary of St. Andrew, from where he went on to St. Mungo’s Academy. After school he joined his father’s business as Bookmaker. In later years his gestures would sometimes reveal his expertise as a boxer. In the first stages of the Second World War he joined the Army and served in the Artillery Defenses off the south coast of England, 1939-45.

In 1952 he decided to follow his younger brother in joining the monks at Nunraw. He made the contemplative monastic life his single minded aim. True to that calling his own character took shape and was moulded by the Lord as by the master potter. To begin with, his earnestness was almost his undoing. He learned quickly to such good effect that he was able to make his Solemn Profession 8 May 1958.

Many changes took place in the course of years in the monastery. With his gentle wisdom he quietly corresponded to the will of God in the times and needs of the community. Stephen’s vocation was, from start to finish, that of simple prayer and fidelity in ordinary things. In Glasgow they would call him an ‘ordinary punter’. That description was as true of him in the monastery as it had been in the streets, and as it was to be appreciated by the people whose counsel they came to seek in later years.

A major change took place in the 60s. He joined the community as one of the Brothers who wore a brown habit and had their own life style distinctive from the Choir monks. In the changing times, Br. Stephen took the option of the White Cowl and the liturgical office of the choir. No problem. For him it was a decision as simple and straightforward as his whole life. He came to be one of the monks to be counted on for regularity.

Of course, when he became Prior, the first time a non-priest became Prior, Br. Stephen did not change. He continued in the utter simplicity and dedication of his work and prayer. In 1983, it is on record, one monk commented to another about the elderly monk (Br. Stephen) regularly and frequently sweeping the cloister and washing the extensive windows, “What shall we do when he is gone?” Some 20 years later he was still lending a hand.

As Prior he could, with the same calm, preside at the Chapter Meetings of the community. When the Abbot was away at a General Chapter (1987), Stephen took the occasion to use some words from the Abbot General, “charity between brethren was the main import; there’s been a shift in the Cistercian life from an emphasis on fidelity to observance to fidelity in caring and charity towards one’s brethren, quite revolutionary, though tension between the two fidelities will never be resolved”.

An Email of condolence on the death of Br. Stephen echoes in many hearts

“My deepest heartfelt prayers for Br. Stephen. I will also pray for him to be welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father. He has touched so many lives and just when I needed to speak with someone, traveling alone, weary and persevering in my call, I met this beautiful brother. His character and vibrant life in the spirit will be a memory I shall never forget. I am truly blessed to have spent time with him and share in the life at the abbey with all the brothers and the faithful there. I always think of Nunraw Abbey as my home.
Abundant Blessings and I shall see you all again”.

Notes on his life by Donald

Brother Stephen, John Heenan (88)
Born 13 Nov 1919, Townhead, Glasgow.
Baptised St Andrew's Cathedral.
St. Andrew's Primary
St. Mungo's Academy
Army 1939-45
Temp. Profession 19 Mar 1955
Sol. Profession 8 May 1958
Prior 1976-93
Died 13 Feb 2008