R.I.P. Jean-Paul Gosselin, OFS

R.I.P. Jean-Paul Gosselin, OFS
St. Francis Fraternity, Ottawa

On Monday January 31, 2022, Ottawa Seculars lost one of its Elders. The day also celebrated the loss of Jean-Paul’s wife 10 years earlier.  Jean-Paul was Professed in Ottawa in 1987.  Jean-Paul had a beautiful character that lit up a room.

You cannot help but remember him with a smile on his face. He was also a roving troubadour. He played his guitar at all Franciscan gatherings but anywhere else that required a musician. He visited jails and senior’s residences regularly. I first met him on my Cursillo. I was not yet a Secular Franciscan. He was the strange man who came into my room and woke me up at 4:30 a.m. playing his guitar… My first thought of him was not very Franciscan .

Jean-Paul displayed his Franciscan nature by saying Yes,
every time he was nominated for a Council position. Over the years he held the positions of Formation Director, Vice-Minister, Minister and Area Vice Minister. He was my Formation Director when I joined the fraternity and my Minister when I was professed. You don’t forget a guy like Jean-Paul. He was what Francis wanted his brothers to be, humble of heart, joyful, and ready to roll up his sleeves and help.

​Rest in Peace brother.

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