Father John Clark Devin, C.Ss.R. - Obituary

Fr. John Clark Devin, C.Ss.R., of the St. John Neumann community, Timonium, Maryland, died December 11, 2024, age 92. Born October 11, 1932, in Boston to John Patrick and Elizabeth (Clark), he was baptized and grew up in the parish of St. Matthew in Dorchester. He attended St. Mary’s Seminary in North East, Pennsylvania, made his novitiate at St. Mary's, Ilchester, Maryland, where he professed temporary vows on August 2, 1953. His final vows were pronounced on September 2, 1956 at Mt. St. Alphonsus Seminary, Esopus, New York, where he was also ordained to the priesthood on June 22, 1958. 
 
Fr. Devin completed the tirocinium at St. Mary’s, Annapolis, Maryland (1959-1960) and, having excelled in Portuguese, was assigned to the Brazilian mission in the Vice-Province of Campo Grande where, over a period of 23 years, he served in Campo Grande, Curitiba, Ponta Pora, Ponta Grossa, Telemaco Borba, and Paranagua.  His ministerial responsibilities there included parishes, mission preaching, the Cursillo Movement, and Christian Base Communities.  After returning to the Baltimore Province, Fr. Devin lived in the communities of Boston, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Enfield, CT.  He was engaged in a variety of ministries including vocation work, parish ministry, mission preaching, hospital chaplaincy, and retreat house ministry.  He had a special place in his heart for Brazilian and Portuguese immigrants whom he served for many years in the Archdiocese of Boston.  Provincial Superior Fr. Patrick Woods wrote to Fr. Devin in 2006:  "Your zeal speaks of your love of your missionary vocation.  I am delighted that you will continue to minister to the Brazilian Immigrants. Ministry to immigrants has been a hallmark of the Baltimore Province since we first came here in 1832. You are certainly faithful to the tradition."  
 
Fr. Devin's declining health brought him to the Redemptorist St. John Neumann Residence in June of 2022.  He died peacefully there on December 11, 2024.   May he rest in peace.
 
Funeral services will take place at Stella Maris Chapel, 2300 Dulaney Valley Road
Timonium MD 21093, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.   Visitation: 10:00 AM; Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 AM.  Burial to follow at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery in Baltimore.
 
A special Memorial Mass will be celebrated with the Brazilian Community at Mission Church in Boston at a date to be determined in January 2025 to celebrate Father John's many years of ministry to the community he loved and served so well.