In Loving Memory
Friar Mark Weaver, OFM Conv., of Clarksville, Indiana entered into eternal life on Monday evening, February 19 at Baptist Floyd Health Center in New Albany, Indiana; he was 72 years old.
Friar Mark was born in Tiffin, Ohio to Raymond and Joann (Gase) Weaver. Friar Mark would be the first of their twelve children. Mark grew up on the family farm and always had a strong affinity for nature; he was no stranger to the hard work that it takes to run a family farm.
Growing up near the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio, friar Mark developed a deep devotion to his Catholic faith and the Blessed Mother. So, it was no surprise that in 1965 he entered the Minor Seminary at Mt. St. Francis, Indiana, graduating in 1969. In 1972 he entered St. Anthony Novitiate in Auburn, Indiana. He professed first vows in 1973. He made his solemn profession of vows in 1976; he was ordained to the transitional diaconate the same year. He was ordained a priest at the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in 1977.
Friar Mark was an accomplished linguist, who received a degree in German literature from Saint Louis University in 1973, but he spent much of his ministerial life in service to the Spanish- speaking people of the United States and Central America.
From 1979 until 1995 Mark served in a variety of ministries in the Custody of Mary, Mother of the Poor (now the Custody of Mary, Mother of Mercy) in Honduras and El Salvador. Friar Mark served as Associate Pastor, Director of Novices, and Custos of the Custody of Mary, Mother of the Poor, in Central America as well as serving on the Initial Formation Team in Casa Central Franciscana, in Comayaguela, Honduras.
He also served in the United States at parishes in Indianapolis, Angola, Terre Haute, and New Albany, in Indiana
In a video interview in 2020, friar Mark was asked if the commitment to serve the world as a Franciscan was worth it. “What a privilege it is! It is wonderful to serve, even if it is just one person at a time. It is such a blessing to know that through you, the grace of Christ has touched the person you helped. Friar Mark was deeply devoted to the people he served; he not only “talked the talk, but walked the walk.” With an upbeat and friendly disposition as well as a thoughtful listener, Mark was a superb pastoral minister to everyone he served.
Friar Mark is survived by his sister, Ann (Ronald) Zoeller, Kansas, OH; Paul Weaver, Carey, OH; Jean (Greg [deceased]) Patton, Carey, OH; Mary (David) Burget, Findlay, OH; Joan (Emery) Calloway, Upper Sandusky, OH; John Weaver, Carey, OH; Jim Weaver, Attica, OH; Lois (Alan) Taylor, Carey, OH; Patrick (Tina) Weaver, Findlay, OH and Joe (Brenda) Weaver Carey, OH. Besides his parents, his sister, Jane (Lee) Mathias, of Carey, OH preceded Fr. Mark in death.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to the Province of Our Lady of Consolation or the province’s mission in Honduras, the Custody of Mary, Mother of Mercy. Memorial Gifts can be made at https://www.franciscansusa.org/fr-mark-weaver/ or mailed to the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, Office of Mission Advancement, 103 St. Francis Blvd., Mount Saint Francis, Indiana 47146.
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2 Comments. Leave new
Father Mark wasn’t just a friend; he was the most special person I’ve ever met. A twist of fate, Mount Saint Francis seminary’s alphabetical seating us at six-person tables for daily meals, and our last name both starting with “W” brought us together. We bonded over many shared interests, such as a love for physics, and our lifelong love of athletics. Thanks to Father Christian, tennis courts were built our year entering the seminary, and our team battled big Catholic high schools. Later, our shared sport switched to ping-pong, which he usually won.
A defining memory of Father Mark comes from after his return from an assignment in Rome. As Franciscans, obedience to the order dictates assignments. Being groomed as an emissary to Rome, Father Mark respectfully requested being sent to the poorest Franciscan mission on Earth. This path that he believed was most meaningful was granted, leading him to spend roughly two decades as a missionary in Honduras and El Salvador.
Hearing Father Mark preach in Spanish in El Salvador was a profound experience, though I couldn’t understand a word. His unique charisma, the way he connected with people – his particular sense of humor, voicetone, facial expressions, and body language – shone through even when preaching in a foreign language I couldn’t understand.
Walking the streets in El Salvador with him was memorable. So many people knew him, their faces lighting up with smiles as they greeted him with warm handshakes or hugs. While visiting homes for confessions, he’d assure his parishioners that my presence, as a “Gringo” who didn’t speak Spanish, was no concern.
My gratitude goes to Father Mark’s family, friends, and the Order for honoring him with this web site tribute in words and photos. My deep condolences as well.
Father Mark will always be with us. For me, he remains an exemplary example of what it means to be a truly good human being and to live a truly meaningful life.
Dave,
Thank you for your eloquent memorial. He was such a good soul.