10 Men — 250 Years
by Father Bob Bond

Brother Bernie Stern

One of the most moving spiritual experiences for Brother Bernie Stern was actually physical in nature.

In October 1984, Brother Bernie received word that his younger sister, Rosie, was gravely in need of a kidney transplant. She would die without it. The ideal donor would be a member of her immediate family.

Together with his three brothers and an older sister, Brother Bernie was tested for donor compatibility.

"When I found out that I would be the best donor, I remember doing a lot of praying," Brother Bernie says. "I was thanking the Lord for giving me this opportunity to help Rosie and asking for a successful operation. I just kept praising God for His goodness to us."

Brother Bernie's kidney continues to keep Rosie alive. Reflecting on the transplant operation, Brother Bernie says: "It was a deep religious experience. I felt very close to the Lord. My own recovery from the surgery seemed to be like the resurrection of Jesus - being made whole again."

Brother Bernie is now assisting Father Ed Gorny in West Union, Ohio, not far from his home in Newport, Kentucky. His humble spirit and gentle style of ministry have endeared him to the people of Adams County.

It is not surprising that this tenderhearted man, with the unique gift for giving unselfishly, continues to seek a deeper spirituality. He recently returned from the Sangre de Cristo Center near Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he participated in a lOO-day program of spiritual renewal.

Not all of our missions are fortunate enough to have an organist. Brother Bernie plays his accordion, not only at Christmas affairs and other socials, but also at Mass.