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Rev. Bernard Michael Broderick

Rev. Bernard Broderick 1913-2006. He was born in Kedgwick, NB as the son of the late Michael Bernard Broderick and Isabella Mac Donald. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1935, attended Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax, NS, and was ordained the 15th October in 1939 at Kedgwick by Most Rev. P.A. Chaisson, Bishop of Bathurst.

 

Fr. Broderick’s first parish was at St. Thomas Aquinas, Cambellton as Assistant Pastor. He also served as Assistant Pastor at St. Michael’s in Chatham from 1942-1947. He went on to teach High School at St. Thomas University in Chatham from 1947-1956. Following his teaching years, he was appointed Pastor at St. Patrick’s in Nelson, NB from 1956-1970. From 1970-1973, he was appointed Pastor at Sts. Simon & Jude in Nackawic, and from 1973-1982, he was Pastor at St. Michael’s in Chatham. His last appointment was as administrator at St. Margaret’s parish from 1982-1988. After his retirement, he served as Chaplain at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Chatham.

 

In 2002, after 63 years as a priest, Fr. Broderick went on his first mission. He filled in for Fr. Vezina at Attawapiskat, a remote aboriginal community in Northern Ontario in the James Bay area.

 

Fr. Broderick’s accomplishments and contributions include:

  • Honorary Degree Doctor of Laws, 1990 from St. Thomas University

  • Established a Bachelor of Education program at St. Thomas University

  • Founding member of Miramichi Big Brothers & Sisters

  • Chaplain for 1219 Council Knights of Columbus, Chatham

  • Recipient of Province NB Minister’s Award for Heritage

  • Obtained a Certificate of Merit for Military Vicariate of Canada

  • Named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International

  • Made Freeman of the Town of Chatham

  • Driving force behind Beaubear Co-Op Housing

  • Development, Beaubear Credit Union and Beaubear Co-Operative in Nelson, Miramichi

  • Instrumental in raising funds for the Dr. Bruny Project to build a water cistern in Haiti

  • Avid supporter of multiple Social Justice programs

  • Played a leading role in establishing and maintaining St. Michael’s Museum & Genealogical Centre

  • Promoter and supporter of the Irish Cultural Society and Irish Festival

  • Author of two books; Memories of Kedgwick River and a valued historical record of the history of St. Michael’s titled The Catholic Church in the Maritimes.

 

Fr. Broderick passed away on 26th April, 2006, at Miramichi Regional Hospital. His largely attended funeral was celebrated at St. Michael’s Basilica on April 28th with interment in St. Michael’s cemetery.

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(Information obtained from St. Michael’s Museum & Genealogical Centre and various newspaper articles.)

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Fr. Broderick receives his X-Ring from Barry MacKenzie on behalf of friends and the StFX Chaplaincy Dept. in celebration of his 65th Ordination Anniversary and 70th X-Graduation Anniversary, December 2004

Fr. Bernard Broderick of Miramichi, New Brunswick received a gift in December of 2004 that he never would have expected. As a graduate of the class of 1935, Fr. Broderick left StFX long before the X-Ring became established as the official university graduation ring, and even before its initial design during the Second World War. Like many pre-war graduates, Fr. Broderick never considered purchasing a ring when they became the university’s chief public symbol.

 

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of his graduation from StFX and the 65th anniversary of his ordination to the Holy Priesthood, the Chaplaincy Department at StFX partnered with close friends of the retired Roman Catholic priest to present him with an X-Ring he could call his very own.

 

In a letter, Fr. Broderick expressed his warm thanks for the gift. “As for appreciation, I see the ring as an expression of friendship, respect, [and] common interests…” He wears his X-Ring proudly, making up for lost time and keeping his beloved alma mater close to his heart.

-Barry R. MacKenzie

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