Born Joseph Philip Casper in Racine, he entered the Capuchin novitiate at Huntington, received the religious name of Berard. From the start, he held a deep desire to become a missionary. After completing his studies, he volunteered for the Bluefields Mission, where he remained for 34 years. After one year at Bluefields, he was assigned to minister to Miskito Indians.
Fluent in Miskito language, Philip helped to translate the Bible and wrote a number of popular Scriptural commentaries. During the Sandinista Regime in Nicaragua, the Government persecuted the Miskito people. Philip remained with his people throughout their agonizing plight. Later, in 1979, he left Central America for Arizona, where he served as pastor for the Mexican American community and chaplain in the State Prison.
In 1984 he volunteered for the Mission of Chepo, Panama. Thirteen years later, failing health caused him to retire and return definitely to the States. He died after suffering a heart attack whilst visiting his brother in Seminole, Florida, at age 84, on January 5, 1998 after 62 years of religious life and 54 of priesthood. He lived without possessions. But a few items were found to be placed in the casket during the funeral mass: a Miskito Psalm book and a small collection of prayers and rituals
used which he used during his mission trips.
Fluent in Miskito language, Philip helped to translate the Bible and wrote a number of popular Scriptural commentaries. During the Sandinista Regime in Nicaragua, the Government persecuted the Miskito people. Philip remained with his people throughout their agonizing plight. Later, in 1979, he left Central America for Arizona, where he served as pastor for the Mexican American community and chaplain in the State Prison.
In 1984 he volunteered for the Mission of Chepo, Panama. Thirteen years later, failing health caused him to retire and return definitely to the States. He died after suffering a heart attack whilst visiting his brother in Seminole, Florida, at age 84, on January 5, 1998 after 62 years of religious life and 54 of priesthood. He lived without possessions. But a few items were found to be placed in the casket during the funeral mass: a Miskito Psalm book and a small collection of prayers and rituals
used which he used during his mission trips.
Born Joseph Philip Casper in Racine, he entered the Capuchin novitiate at Huntington, received the religious name of Berard. From the start, he held a deep desire to become a missionary. After completing his studies, he volunteered for the Bluefields Mission, where he remained for 34 years. After one year at Bluefields, he was assigned to minister to Miskito Indians.
Fluent in Miskito language, Philip helped to translate the Bible and wrote a number of popular Scriptural commentaries. During the Sandinista Regime in Nicaragua, the Government persecuted the Miskito people. Philip remained with his people throughout their agonizing plight. Later, in 1979, he left Central America for Arizona, where he served as pastor for the Mexican American community and chaplain in the State Prison.
In 1984 he volunteered for the Mission of Chepo, Panama. Thirteen years later, failing health caused him to retire and return definitely to the States. He died after suffering a heart attack whilst visiting his brother in Seminole, Florida, at age 84, on January 5, 1998 after 62 years of religious life and 54 of priesthood. He lived without possessions. But a few items were found to be placed in the casket during the funeral mass: a Miskito Psalm book and a small collection of prayers and rituals
used which he used during his mission trips.
Fluent in Miskito language, Philip helped to translate the Bible and wrote a number of popular Scriptural commentaries. During the Sandinista Regime in Nicaragua, the Government persecuted the Miskito people. Philip remained with his people throughout their agonizing plight. Later, in 1979, he left Central America for Arizona, where he served as pastor for the Mexican American community and chaplain in the State Prison.
In 1984 he volunteered for the Mission of Chepo, Panama. Thirteen years later, failing health caused him to retire and return definitely to the States. He died after suffering a heart attack whilst visiting his brother in Seminole, Florida, at age 84, on January 5, 1998 after 62 years of religious life and 54 of priesthood. He lived without possessions. But a few items were found to be placed in the casket during the funeral mass: a Miskito Psalm book and a small collection of prayers and rituals
used which he used during his mission trips.
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