Missionaries of the Sacred

During our Ohio reunion with friends, alumni and benefactors, I met a former student, Richard Loyer. Richard was born in Bedford, OH and during his child­hood, his family moved to different locations within the state. He heard about the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart from a distant cousin from Shelby, OH. He then hitchhiked to Shelby.

Richard entered our minor seminary in Geneva, IL in 1939. That summer, he stayed in Geneva to help build the new seminary. He has memories of hauling cement for the construction. In 1942, he entered the novitiate in Shelby. His novice director was Fr. Joseph Janssen, MSC. While in Shelby, he helped to dig the new cemetery on the south end of the property. Because of physical problems, however, he had to leave. He then entered the military. They accepted on restricted service under the “assisted army ordinance.” He was sta­tioned in El Paso, TX, and participated in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), but because of back problems, he had to terminate his military career early with an honorable discharge.

In 1943, Richard visited once again Geneva, IL. He met with Father Torweihe and expressed his interested in still becoming an MSC. Nevertheless, physical problems once again marred the continuation of his studies.

Today, Richard lives in Medina, OH where he has been since 1948. He has eight children, 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Since meeting the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, in 1939, Richard has always been a friend of the MSC. At 88 years of age, he continues to support us through prayers and other means. Thank you Richard for all the wonderful years you have been with us.