I wish to inform you that Saturday, April 2, 2005, just a short time before the Pope died, our confrere, Fr. Stefan Kristin, C.M., passed away. He was the oldest confrere in the Slovak Province. He was 96 years old and last December 9 th , we celebrated his 70 years of priestly ordination.
He was a confrere who suffered many and diverse persecutions during the communist regime. He spent many years in prison, where he helped all the prisoners. A short time ago, Cardinal Ján Chryzontom Korec, S.J. visited our house because he wanted to see Fr. Kristin personally and thank him once again for his help and testimony that he had given while in prison.
After he was released from the prison, he continued to work in the vineyard of the Lord. He secretly gathered together the first confreres and contributed to their formation.
He was always a shining example of faith and generosity for all..
He spent the last year of his life in our Provincial House in Bratislava where he continued to give us a silent example of patience and suffering. He was very friendly to all and always grateful for whatever service he received, even if it were minimal.
He passed away serenly and full of confidence in God. His funeral will be held probably on April 7 th in Bratislava.
I cordially greet you and assure you of my prayers.
P. Stanislav Zonták, C.M.
Provincial of Slovakia Province
(ARTHUR J. KOLINSKY, C. M., Translator)
