Right Reverend Cyril Bauer
Passed on: September 9th, 2008
Antigonish The Diocese of Antigonish and especially the St. FX community mourn the death of one of their best known and beloved priests, Right Reverend Cyril H. Bauer, 94, who died Monday, Sept. 9, 2008, in the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish. Monsignor Bauer was born in Sydney, N.S., the son of the late John Henry and Katherine (Merchant) Bauer. He received his early and high school education in Sydney before enrolling at St. FX in 1931. After graduation, Monsignor Bauer answered a call to the priesthood. He completed theological studies at the Sulpician Seminary in Washington, D.C. and pursued studies in modern languages and dramatics at Catholic University of America in that city. He was ordained by Archbishop John T. McNally at St. Mary’s Basilica on May 21, 1939, in Halifax. During his priestly ministry, Monsignor Bauer was a true servant of the church. Besides his regular ministry at the university, he served at various times as Diocesan Master of Ceremonies, Vicar General, Chancellor and Episcopal Vicar for Spiritual Affairs, Diocesan Consultor and Chaplain of several Institutions. He served on the Senate of Priests, the Personnel Committee, the Liturgical Commission and as Chairman of the Priests' Committee for Pastoral Institutes after Vatican Council 11. The church recognized the life and work of this priest by bestowing on him the rank of Domestic Prelate in 1960. Following his ordination in 1939, Monsignor Bauer’s first two assignments were as assistants in Iona and Little Bras d’Or where he enjoyed his ministry with people and served them well. In Sept. 1943, he was appointed to St. FX University as Chaplain and Professor of Modern Languages. He served at the University until his retirement over forty years later. During his tenure at St. FX University, Monsignor Bauer held many offices of trust and responsibility. He was Spiritual Director, Assistant Registrar, Registrar, Executive Vice-president, Director of Student Activities, Director of the Awards’ Office and Dean of Studies. Monsignor Bauer was also the chairman of the University Committee for Implementation of Administrative Controls and Procedures. Perhaps more than anything, students will remember him for his ten-year involvement with campus dramatics bringing an unbelievably high level of performance to the university stage. The University which he served so well honoured him by awarding to him the prestigious Paul Desmarais Medal for Excellence in June, 1983, by naming the new university theatre after him; and with an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree in May, 1986. Monsignor Bauer is survived by two sisters, Mary Margaret Saunders, St. Andrews, N.B. and Catherine Rose Kenney, Oakville, Ont.; he was a beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers, Owen Martin and John Merchant; sister, Barbara Elizabeth Brophy. Visitation today (Thursday) after 2 p.m. in St. FX University Chapel until a Bible Vigil held at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial Friday at 11 a.m. in St. FX University Chapel, with Bishop Raymond Lahey presiding, assisted by priests of the Diocese of Antigonish. Burial in St. Ninian’s cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home Foundation or the CNIB. www.MacIsaacs.ca
