My initial exposure to Father Justin was at the first RCIA session last year, the church tour. I didn't have a group to tour with, so I spent the better part of the evening hanging in the back of the church. Fr. Justin came up and introduced himself and, noticing the monstrance pin on his chest, I figured I would keep the conversation "safe" by asking him about his experience as a seminarian in
My wife Susan and I were present at Justin's final Mass in Indy at the Corydon's house. The intimacy of the surroundings coupled with his ability to include us in prayer is something I will remember for my entire life.
While his humor was certainly irreverent to say the least, his serious desire to be a good priest was the focus of his life. And, while he only enjoyed three short years in ministry, his presence will be felt by hundreds of people for many years to come. May his spirit continue to influence us all!!
Fr. Justin was first and foremost a person who
challenged me in my faith and in life as the bigger
picture. I had the pleasure and joy of spending a fair
amount of time with and getting to know him pretty
well through RCIA 2004-2005. Coming from a very
non-religous background, Fr. Justin gave me my first
glimpse into the Church. His attitude and spirit was
so refreshing. His mere presence forced me to
reevaluate everything I had always believed and
thought about the Catholic faith and about myself.
He
was very good at challenging me and helping me to see things more clearly. Thankfully, he was very patient
with me. In fact, the day of Easter Vigil as I was
lining up to walk down the aisle, I had one more
doubt, one more question...his response, of course,
was "You're asking me this NOW?" We laughed, I
swallowed my doubt and he reassured me that he would
be there for me every step of the way!
For this I
thank him and I look forward to a continued prayer
relationship with my friend and spiritual mentor, Fr.
Justin.
Newport News, Virginia
Posted at 1:25 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2005
Father Justin's presence was indeed brief like his final homily at St. Monica's.
I found it easy to connect with him especially after I had a chance to talk to
him one on one; because he understood, I didn't have to explain anything. But I
know that he was like that with everybody, and until we see him again, he will
be missed.
-Ron Smith
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 1:24 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2005
Couple years ago the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary of Yorktown, Virginia brought in a speaker. His name was Father Justin Martin and he gave a lecture about the Mysteries of the Rosary.
As I listened to him, I couldn’t help but notice how captivated our “older” audience was focused to his every word. There was an aura about him that made the generation gap come together. A feeling of spirituality was throughout the room that night.
Afterwards, he told jokes, his aspiration of performing on stage, and his thoughts of being a priest. Though he touched us that one evening, it made a lasting impression. He will be deeply missed.
May the Lord and Peace be with you Father Justin.
-Bill Villanueva
St. Joan of Arc Parish, Yorktown, VA
Posted at 4:37 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 2005
It is about 11:00 in the morning on Friday. Father Justin's funeral is just about to start and I can only wonder how his family is coping. I have heard Father Justin say many times at the conclusion of mass - "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord." So my hope for his family is just that - Peace during this difficult time. Because he certainly is at peace and still serving the Lord.
At one of father Justin's last masses at St. Monica, he jokingly said that he was going to keep the homily short so he would endear himself to all of us before he left. It seems like a symbol of his life with us. He kept it short but certainly endeared himself to all he met.
Lisa Akers
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 11:24 a.m. on Friday, July 22, 2005
Fr. Justin Martin was a dear and treasured member of the North
American College Community in rome, for most of the years that I served
there [1996-2002] as Assistant Spiritual Director. He had a good and
clear mind - and we shared many happy anecdotes on bus rides to an from
the ANGELICUM where he studied. I was an 'Invited' Lecturer there, and
taught Fr.Justin the course on the Most Blessed Trinity.
We will remember him always at Mass - I will always believe my life
was bettered by knowing dear Fr. Justin. May he rest in peace!
In the Merciful Lord, who heals all our wounds,
Fr.Joseph Henchey, CSS (Stigmatine)
Posted at 11:56 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2005
I remember the first time I met Fr. Justin. It was back on July 10,
2004. My husband, Jason, was home for his two week R and R from Bosnia. It was Fr. Justin's first weekend saying mass at St. Monica's. After
mass, we approached Fr. Justin. He said "you just keep following me
around, don't you". My husband, Jason, and Fr. Justin used to work
together in Bloomington at Kroger. My husband worked in produce/salad
bar and Fr. Justin was a butcher. I think Fr. Justin was relieved to
know that he had a friend at St. Monica's from the start. My husband,
Jason, returned to Bosnia and served in his peace keeping mission until
December. Fr. Justin helped me so much during Jason's absence through
the sacraments of Eucharist at daily and weekend mass and monthly
reconciliation. We became good friends during that time.
When Jason
returned in December, Fr. Justin couldn't wait to re-kindle his
friendship with Jason. We got together a few times in the spring. Our
last chance to really talk was near the end of May. The three of us
went out to dinner and shared many stories and laughs together. We were
sad to know that he was leaving St. Monica, but we were happy for him
because we knew that he was very close to parents in Bloomington.
I
will never forget his kindness to me during a difficult time in my life. It was a honor to know him as a priest and friend. I will keep his
parents and Msr. Fred in my daily prayers.
Peace be with you in heaven,
Fr. Justin.
Katherine Brown
-
St. Monica Parish,
Indianapolis
Posted at 11:51 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2005
I had the privilege of working closely with Fr. Justin while I was Youth Minister at St. Luke.
There are countless memories flooding the mind, but a few stand out in particular.
During his first year at St. Luke, among many other things, Fr. Justin worked with the High School Leaders who were participating in the formation of the 8th grade Confirmation class. His job was to pull these teens together and come up with a skit each week for class. Often, they would catch him on video ( video I still have ) as they were "preparing" their skit. I have one video of him in the Youth Center at St. Luke playing chopsticks, accompanied by a high schooler, and making faces. It's a classic.
I would also sometimes prepare a video introduction for the class in advance. For at least one of these, I interviewed Fr. Justin in his office. During one of the transitions, the camera pulls out from the little replica of St. Peter's square he had on his desk... and as the shot widens to reveal Fr. Justin waking up, you realize he's been dreaming about becoming pope again.
I recently learned of a story in which he was distributing Holy Communion at Mass when he noticed one communicant walking away with the Host in hand. Fr. Justin abruptly stopped the line, went after the man, and rolling up his sleeves asked, "What are you doing?" to which the man replied, "Taking it home for my own private adoration, and what are you going to do about it, you're just a priest." Fr. Justin spontaneously retorted, "That's right, I'm a priest and I love my Master..." And that settled that.
Fr. Justin was also quite an inspired preacher. Each time I would listen to him preach, I was distracted by the fact that he could be so young and yet so wise and learned. In fact, I'd often bother him during the day, just pop in his office and ask, "Fr. Justin, how do you do it?" "Do what?" he'd ask. "You know, write your homilies? I want to know the secret... is it a web-site you subscribe to for priests... there's no way you can just come up with that." "No, nothing like that, Alex... I just sit down, say a prayer, reflect on the Gospel, and start writing."
What I appreciated most about Fr. Justin was that while he knew his theology well, and though he could preach like a mad-man-for-God, he also employed his great wit and humor in his service to our Lord. We miss you already, Fr. Justin. May you rest in Peace.
-Alex Scheidler
St. Jerome's Parish, Chicago, IL
Posted at 8:23 a.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2005
Father Justin was unlike any priest I've ever known. Being only three years older than me, and having the most witty personality were not characteristics I had associated with priests. I had the pleasure of getting to know him this past year as an RCIA sponsor, but even more personally as he officiated my wedding just two months ago. My husband Will and I spent our entire marriage counseling meetings laughing at Father's jokes and enjoying his great stories.
Father Justin's gift was that he could make anyone in his presence comfortable. During our entire rehearsal dinner Father Justin had the entire table laughing. He was the highlight of the wedding rehearsal... not Will and I. :)
He will be sadly be missed, and as Will and I grieve in Chicago, his family and friends will be in our prayers.
-Emily Mitchell
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 4:53 p.m. on Wednesay, July 20, 2005
The very first time we had the pleasure to meet Father Justin while my wife Barbara and I were getting ready to serve as Eucharistic Ministers at St. Luke before mass, he came into the room and introduced himself, and when I told him my name (Alejandro) he said "Yo soy el padre mas inteligente del mundo" (I am the most intelligent priest in the world). What a way to break the ice!!
My wife and I were "hooked" unto Father Justine from then on, and our children, and my mother and other relatives. He was a true blessing to us in times on sorrow (the death of my dad and Barbara's mom) and in times of joy ( having dinner with him). May he rest in peace. We are sure that he is cracking jokes in Heaven too!
-Alejandro & Barbara de Gortari
St. Luke Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 2:25 p.m. on Wednesay, July 20, 2005
Hearing the news of Fr. Martin's passing placed a heavy hold on my heart
Monday afternoon as I was quick to remember our four years together as
seminarians at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Fr. Justin
shall always be remembered by his classmates as a very kind, generous,
prayerful brother in Christ.
I shall always smile or have a laugh remembering his good sense of humor and
ability to make those around himself feel welcomed and comfortable. Fr.
Justin knew how to touch our hearts with his positive attitude and outlook
on life.
The Archdiocese of Indianapolis has lost a very good priest this week and
Heaven as gained yet another holy soul. Knowing Fr. Justin, he would not
want us to be sad, but to smile and have a good laugh in his honor. He
shall definitely be missed by all those who were blessed to know him.
I shall continue to offer special prayers for his loving parents and sister
who mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother.
Rest in peace, my
brother.
Rev. John B. Gizler
North American College Class of 2002
Assumption Parish,
Pittsburgh, Pa
Posted at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesay, July 20, 2005
I met Fr. Justin while in
Rome. I was in my third year of theology when he arrived as a new man. Even though we were separated in our course of studies by a few years, we became friends very quickly. His sense of humor and occasional magic tricks were greatly appreciated by all at the North American College. In part because of my own military background he often like talk to me about his father, who he was very proud of. He would tell me stories of his dad’s military days and I would share some of mine.
I regret never having the opportunity to meet his family in person. In the years that I new him in Rome, I could see the makings of a great priest.
I will offer masses for him, so that we may be united at the altar in heaven. My prayers go with him and to his family.
Rev. David Shoemaker
Pastor, Holy Redeemer Parish, Eufaula, Alabama
Posted at 12:48 p.m. on Wednesay, July 20, 2005
I had the honor of knowing Father Justin from the time he was in
Rome
until now. He was a great guy, fun to be around and a wonderful Priest to discuss theology with.
I know his parents, Beth and Dave and he was the joy of their lives. Both burst with pride when he took his vows. My prayers and thoughts are with you both. I was privileged to have been there to see the moment. I will miss the dinners, the laughter and the love for life that Father Justin had. He impacted so many people in his short mission and I am proud to say I am one of them. God bless and keep you.
-Tony Mitchell
St. Paul’s, Bloomington,
IN
Posted at 10:51 a.m. on Wednesay, July 20, 2005
Father Justin was a very special person and somehow, he made everyone he met feel special, too. Even more than his wit and sense of humor, he was defined by a heart so big it seemed to hold love for everyone. He was my friend and I will miss him.
-Melissa Kittrell
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 9:43 a.m. on Wednesay, July 20, 2005
Father Justin was one of the most special people I have ever had the honor of knowing. His deep spirituality and wisdom were well beyond his years. We shared another love--our love for the Divine Mercy Devotion. If anyone ever heard his Divine Mercy presentation, they will know what I mean. Thanks to Father J, he wisely counseled me this past spring in bringing the story of The Divine Mercy to a United Methodist Church in the area. He used to tease me about being a convert who knew how to evangelize!
While I'm happy he is with the Lord, I find great sadness in my heart. If he could speak with me now, he would probably tell me to identify that feeling of loss with Mary and multiply it many times over. I praise God for the time He gave us with Father Justin.
-Sandy Monroe
St. Luke Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 8:47 a.m. on Wednesay, July 20, 2005
When Justin was serving one diaconate summer at the Cathedral, he struck up quite a friendship with my Godson, the late Chief Don Collier, who was the security guard at the Damien Center next door. Don had newly embraced the Catholic faith, and he and Justin would have long talks in the parking lot behind the Cathedral about the faith and Justin's anticipated priesthood. Justin's sense of humor was evident throughout, as was his penchant for magic tricks.
One day he came bounding up to the Chief all excited, asking if Don had a set of handcuffs in his cruiser. Don said he did, and Justin immediately put his hands behind his back and said, "Cuff me, Chief, nice and tight, and I'll show you how quickly I can get out of them." Don very calmly clamped on the cuffs, and said, "Ok, but when I cuff you, you won't get out of 'em...you sure you want me to do this?" "Yeah, yeah," said Justin..."you just wait and see." So, Don slapped on the cuffs as though Justin were a serious felon, and as our young friend squirmed and wriggled, the cuffs bit tighter and tighter into his ample wrists, and suddenly he started yelling "Ow!...Ow!...Ow!...that hurts!" Don just grinned and shook his head and set Justin free with a newfound respect for Don's skills vs. his own.
Justin e-mailed Don from NAC in Rome right up to the time the Chief was badly injured in an accident while responding to another accident scene. I kept him posted on Don's slow progress over the next two years, and Don finally got to see Father Justin again at some event at the Cathedral. Don was very proud of Justin for achieving his goal of becoming a priest. Don has since passed away, but I know the Chief was waiting at the gates of Heaven to welcome his former "captive" home with open arms. Our lives were richer for having known Father Justin Martin.
-Alice Price
Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish, Greenwood
Posted at 8:32 a.m. on Wednesay, July 20, 2005
After the prayer service for Father Justin this evening, we gathered in the Emmaus Center for fellowship. My school-age grandson was running around the room with a fellow classmate having a good time. His father stopped him and made him sit down. As he sat across from me, I began questioning him about the reason we were gathered, and he responded that we were there to remember Father Justin. Suddenly it occurred to me what Father Justin would say to him if he were there. Probably something like...go ahead and play and have a good time and just watch out for the old folks.
We all remember Father Justin's love for life and having a good time. The children loved him for his jokes, games and tricks and the way he related to them on their level. I pictured Father Justin's smile as I dismissed my grandson to enjoy time with his friend and told him to just watch out for the old folks like me.
-Nona Dottery
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 8:29 a.m. on Wednesay, July 20, 2005
My Dear Friend Father Justin. I will miss him as will my family. We are all heartbroken over his passing. When I first met Father Justin, he became a good friend to me. I will never forget how he helped me during my grieving for my beloved husband. He came to visit him while he was in the hospital as well as the nursing home many times. I will always remember the meals we had together at my home. He enjoyed cajun and creole cooking. So now, Father Justin has gone to be with God, Pope John Paul II and my husband Lester in heaven.
-Earline Craddock
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 8:28 a.m. on Wednesay, July 20, 2005
I am a second grade teacher at St. Monica School. I was honored to have Fr. Justin come to speak with the second grade class in preparation for First Communion. The kids loved him, they looked forward to his magic tricks and his down to earth personality.
I didn't know Fr. Justin that long but I really respected sense of humor, his intensity and his kind personality. His parting words to me after his last mass were "Hey teach. Have a great class this year." That's what I intend to do. My class and I will remember Fr. Justin in a special way.
-Eileen Hyvonen
2nd grade teacher St. Monica School, Indianapolis
Posted at 8:26 a.m. on Wednesay, July 20, 2005
Reading these stories about Fr Justin has helped us remember him and begin to deal with losing him so suddenly. Fr Justin baptized our son this past winter and our daughters remember it as "the best baptism ever!" We will always remember his "high fives" after mass, his magic tricks and the joy he brought to those who knew him.
When I told my daughters about Fr Justin's passing, my four year old said, "I bet he's having a party with those angels right now because Fr Justin sure knew how to have fun!" He was a wonderful man and we already miss him dearly.
-The Ruess Family
St Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 2:57 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Fr. Justin was a very dear friend to our family and godfather to my grandson Colin who is now five months old. We were very fortunate to have met him and share in his life it seems that we have known him forever. Our family helped him in his move to French Lick he was very apprehensive about this move and how he would be accepted by the people of French Lick. His first weekend mass there was Saturday July 9th and my wife Lynne received a phone call from as soon as mass was over "Hi mom I love it here and the people are wonderful". The next week we heard about how he had found a new home and the following weekend was the move.
My son-in-law was involved in an accident during the move and spent a week in the hospital in Jasper, Indiana. Fr. Justin was checking on him making sure he had everything he needed along with ministering to my daughter and Colin that week. We got calls and reports along with the news that "you know you are speaking to the only priest in Orange county."
When we left mass last Saturday evening we got the word that he had been rushed to the hospital and many thoughts came to us from the past few weeks. All of good times and how much a part of our lives he had become. It has been a real pleasure reading about how Fr. Justin touched folks lives in his ministry as a priest and friend to many.
I would like to make a request that if anyone would care to share pictures or stories of Fr. Justin so we can build memories for our grandson and his godson Colin please send them to me.
-Kevin Corydon
2841 Thornton Lane
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268
Posted at 1:49 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
We are truly saddened at the loss of Fr. Justin Martin. Having been former members of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Edinburgh, Indiana, we were privileged to hear him say Mass there a few times when he was visiting his uncle, Msgr. Fred Easton, and greatly enjoyed his homilies which always included at least one joke. He particularly made a positive impression on Karen, then in high school.
The premise behind the movie, Pay It Forward, was certainly not a new concept to Fr. Justin. That was a character trait he put forth every day to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed. May God grant him eternal rest and peace and comfort to his family.
-Christine L. Kirchman, and daughters Karen and Kimberly.
Posted at 1:46 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
It is very difficult for me and my family to really express our true
feelings at this time as the result of the fact that Father Justin has
passed. It was just one month ago that he spent an evening in our home for
dinner and good conversation. Our son had become unusually attached to him
(really the first priest at St. Monica's to have impacted him in this
manner) although he is life long member and a graduate of St. Monica.
My husband and I had a previously scheduled trip to Baton Rouge, LA in June
and in order not to miss Father Justin's farewell party (The Parish picnic)
we drove back straight thru from Baton Rouge on Saturday June 25th. thank
God for the trip and chance to spend quality time with Father Justin and
also the photos we were able to take while at the picnic.
May his soul rest in peace.
-Carrie, David,Jr., and David III (The Kemps)
St Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Fr. Justin was with us for such a short time. His spirit was contagious and we enjoyed his time at St. Monica's immensely. Our last visit with him was at the St. Monica 8th Grade Graduation. He hugged our 8th grade daughter and told her he was so proud of her and thrilled that she was going to Brebeuf. It meant so much to her and us. We will miss him deeply.
-The Ratliff family
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 11:28 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
My husband and I were so sorry to learn of the death of Fr Justin. We are St Monica Parish members and were just getting to know him before he was transferred. He will be missed by all of us. My last memory of him was at his going away BBQ where he entertained us with his special magic show. I will always remember my good bye hug from him.
I am sure he is with God now and is watching over all of us.
-Gail & Albert Ammons
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 10:52 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Not only was our family shocked by the news of Father Justin, we of course are very sad. Our son, Luke, just finished 2nd grade at St. Monica School and was very fond of Father Justin. He always looked forward to seeing him during the school day and greeting him after mass.
Losing Fr. Justin brought back a memory. During Catholic Schools Week, Luke shared with us that not only was he happy to be attending a catholic school, but that he felt St. Monica was the best Catholic school. His reason: "We have two priests. One is a Monsignor and the other one does magic tricks!" Performing magic tricks was one of many ways Fr. Justin connected with children.
We appreciated his presence in our school and church community and feel blessed to have known him.
-The MacGregor Family
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 10:24 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
As I sit here now remembering the man who helped revive my faith in the
church, I thank God for sharing such a wonderful soul with us. My husband
and I were married by Father Justin this past November and during his
meetings with us, he would flood our hearts with love and nderstanding. He
always made us feel welcome and taught us ways to make our marriage stronger
and we will be forever indebted.
You will be truly missed, Father Justin.
Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord.
-Stefano and Anna Lorenzetto
St. Jude Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 10:06 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
She asked me with concern, "Mommy what happened?" I looked my 9-year old
daughter in her eyes and shared with her that "Father J has gone to meet
Jesus." I then witnessed a tiny smile begin to form on her face for our
church community and I have taught her that there is nothing greater than
being with God in Heaven.
As I reflect upon Father J's 2005 Easter and
final homilies at St. Monica, I find great spiritual strength as to our
purpose while in this world. With passion, he gave inspiration and hope to
all parishioners that living a life for Jesus is the only life worth living.
I am so humbled to have been apart of the communal table of the man who
has "gone to meet Jesus."
-Eileen Taylor
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 9:16 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
I will always remember Father Justin for his Rome stories and the honor / excitement he expressed at working closely with Pope John Paul II. I was a member of the most recent St. Monica RCIA class and joined the church during the Easter Vigil on March 26, 2005. My getting to this point and joining the church was not without it's challenges. There were many times during the process when the stresses and difficulties of everyday life caused me to question my pursuit. I credit Father Justin's vocation presentation for convincing me I had made the right decision and that this was part of God's plan for me.
Father Justin possessed a wisdom and deep spirituality well beyond his 28 years. I feel blessed for having had the pleasure to know him. My heart aches but I take comfort in knowing he is now touching the face of God.
-Pete Miles
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 9:13 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Fr. Justin will be sadly missed on the Indianapolis northwest side. We are members of St. Luke where he was Associate Pastor for two years. He was very beloved by our two daughters and the entire St. Luke School and parish. His homilies during children's Masses were particularly interesting for the children. He was a talented singer and recently sang a track on a CD put out by by former St. Luke organist, John Sittard.
Fr Justin was close to our family. He performed magic at my 40th birthday party about 18 months ago. He had a way with the people that has not been seen in quite some, nor shall be again. For the past few years, myself and some other St. Luke gentlemen had treated J-Dog to a hefty meal at the Rib Festival in downtown Indianapolis. He really enjoyed his ribs and any fixin's that accompanied this annual outing. His keychain said J-Dog on it, so I reverently called him this at times.
He performed the house blessing for us about three years ago and we had a lot of non-Catholic guests in attendance. He really made it a meaningful and fun experience and was very gracious in making it a nice occasion for our guests. We will be forever prayerful for Fr. Justin's soul and equally as grateful for the time our family was able to spend with him.
He had one children's homily in which he used "Flash Paper". He would ignite this paper during his homily and it would emanate a brilliant flash of light for a brief instant. This was one of his favorite pulpit illusions. It is appropriate that Fr. Justin (J-Dog), was just that, a brief yet brilliant flash of light. May your light shine perpetually inside the hearts of those whose lives you came into contact. May God keep you beneath his wings always.
-Jeffrey, Mary, Carolyn and Casey Williamson
St. Luke Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 9:07 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
It is with a heavy and disbelieving heart that I write this.
After hearing the news that Fr. Justin had “gone home to be with the Lord,” I cannot help but think about what a good person he was. Fr. Justin had a wicked sense of humor and always seemed to know just when to use it to help break the ice, ease tensions, or create mischief. He was so full of life and was intent on helping ease the priest shortage in the Archdiocese by tirelessly asking young people, “have you thought about being a priest?”
You embodied Francis’ prayer, by letting God make you an instrument of peace. You have been a light that brought faith, hope, and joy wherever you ministered. And, in your tireless giving and dying to self, you were born to eternal life. Fr. Justin, thank you for your sense of mission, sense of humor, and enthusiasm for which you ministered to God’s people. We have been truly touched by God through your ministry.
-Mark Erdosy
Director of Church Relations
,
Marian
College
,
Indianapolis
Posted at 8:16 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2005
My wife Marie and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in February of
this year. As part of the celebration we renewed our wedding vows at the
5:30 Saturday Mass. Father Justin was the celebrant and had told us a few
weeks before that he had never done this before but he would work to make it a special evening for us, our family, friends, and guests. That he did!
I know that he is with God in heaven and has probably already said to the
our Holy Father,
John Paul II, "Yo, Pope how are you doing?" That was his
way, always outgoing and cheerful.
-Michael D. Buss
St Monica Parish,
Indianapolis
Posted at 10:09 p.m. on Monday, July 18, 2005
I now live in California, but was a part of St. Luke's parish the 2 years Father was there. He seemed to have a maturity beyond his years and a deep spirituality. He was always in good humor and you knew he would give an awesome sermon. He was also my spiritual director for a little while and helped me through a difficult time, I will not forget him. He will leave a big hole in our hearts.
In Their Hearts,
Kay Myers
Posted at 6:41 p.m. on Monday, July 18, 2005
Words cannot express how saddened we are by the sudden passing of such a wonderful soul!
Just a mere 6 weeks ago Father Justin conducted a beautiful Memorial Mass for our Uncle at St. Monica. His homily was beautiful....the words he said that day left an indelible mark on our spirits...and now he is with the Lord, too...
Father Justin's passing is such a great loss for all of us. We love you, Father.
-Angela Gilmer and Nancy Gilmer Stone
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 5:01 p.m. on Monday, July 18, 2005
I am so heartbroken and grief-stricken to hear that my my best friend has went home to be with the Lord. Father Justin Martin was only in my life for a brief amount of time, during his stay at St. Monica's. It was like I'd known him all my life.
I was heading to Rome in April and I had the opportunity to go to the Vatican...Father Justin gave me a list of must see's while I was there. Little did we know was I would be in the 1st Papal audience of our new Pope, Benedict XVI. When I returned and showed him my ticket to get in the Vatican, he was so excited for me and we just had such a wonderful friendship.
He was on my heart for the past two days, and I intended to send a card to see how he was settling in at his new parishes, then I got the call that he had gone to see the Lord.
I will see you when I get there my friend!
Love,
Tanya Payton Barker
St. Monica Parish, Indianapolis
Posted at 1:12 p.m. on Monday, July 18, 2005