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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