Rev. Gervase J. Cain T.O.R.

Fr. Gervase Cain, T.O.R.,86, of the Third Order Regular Franciscans of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, died May 12, 2018, at St. Francis Friary, Loretto after an illness. Born June 17, 1931 in Export son of the late Howard and Mary (Martinsek) Cain. and given the name Joseph Howard when baptized at Most Holy Sacrament Church, Greensburg, PA on July 5, 1931. He attended grade school in Export and graduated high school from St. Francis Preparatory School, Spring Grove, in 1949.   He was a candidate at the Prep School from 1946 to 1949.  He entered novitiate at Portiuncula Monastery, Washington, D.C. on June 30, 1949.   He pronounced his first vows on July 1, 1950 at Portiuncula Monastery, Washington, D.C., and his solemn vows on July 1, 1953 at Mt. Assisi Friary, Loretto.    Fr. Gervase was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1957, at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Altoona, by the late Bishop Richard Guilfoyle, D.D., Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from St. Francis College (University) in 1953.  He completed Theological studies at St. Francis Seminary, Loretto, in 1957.  Fr. Gervase did graduate studies in philosophy in Fribourg, Switzerland, from 1959-1963.  During his long Franciscan life, Fr. Gervase ministered in secondary education. He taught philosophy for 29 years, at St. Francis Seminary and St. Francis College (University), Loretto.  He served as pastor and assistant pastor in various parishes where the T.O.R.’s ministered.   He was on the Provincial Council from 1988-1992.  He was a guest lecturer at the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, for a number of summers.  From 2003, Fr. Gervase has served in the ministry of prayer at St. Francis Friary, Loretto.  Fr. Gervase is survived by his sister, Patricia Cain Broker, Jeanette and his brother Robert, Export, and his Franciscan brothers.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, John and Paul, and sisters, Catherine, Ellen, and Irene.   Friends will be received at the Chapel of St. Francis Friary-Mt. Assisi, Loretto at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2018.   Vigil Service will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Francis Friary-Mt. Assisi, Loretto, with Very Rev. Richard L. Davis, T.O.R., Minister Provincial, as principal celebrant.  Following the Mass, Committal will take place at the Franciscan Friars’ Cemetery, on the campus of St. Francis University, Loretto, PA.   Memorial contributions may be made to support retired T.O.R. Friars, c/o T.O.R. Retirement Fund, St. Francis Friary, P.O. Box 137, Loretto, PA. Arrangements by Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church Street, Gallitzin, PA 16641.   

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