September 2014 Philadelphia Chapter of Pax Christi U.S.A.

Dominic Roberti

May 29, 1933 - July 15, 2014

At the Catholic Peace Fellowship meeting July 13, Dom spoke of a new direction he was taking. He and Carole had joined the Associates of the Medical Mission Sisters and would be attending Sunday liturgy at their mother- house. Dom explained that he and Carole wanted to participate in the Sisters' liturgy and also wanted to support the work of this religious order with its emphasis on reaching out to the poor and suffering, as well supporting the Teilhardian view of our need to care for the earth. Surprised by his announcement that he would no longer be with us once a month, we were relieved to hear he would continue to contribute to the newsletter and to maintain the CPF website. Two days later we learned that he had died suddenly of a heart attack. And so in the spirit of the beautiful memorial service at the Medical Mission Sisters motherhouse on August 9, we continue the celebration of Dom's life and work.

Dom was a wonderful human being and a man of many talents. He was a devout Christian, a cheerful practitioner of Buddhist meditation, a well-known scientist, a lover of the universe, a thoughtful peacemaker and an enthusiastic professor. These are only a few of his talents. Family and friends could name many more. Dom touched our lives in many different ways as shared by the following CPF members.

Mary Lou and Phyllis Grady

Dom as teacher:

I was fortunate to have taken one of the many courses Dom taught at Rosemont College. This course followed the life of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. De Chardin, a Jesuit scientist, was convinced that man is also a part of evolution. "Each of us participate in divinity as a co-creator with God". With this in mind, let us see what de Chardin taught.

"Microbes evolve into colonies, cells into tissues … As for humans, they would evolve into a kind of super-organism in which nurturing and cooperation would replace competition and aggression; where the whole is held together by bonds of love." Thus the ultimate aim of evolution is the "omega point - a kind of utopian society in which peace prevails and love

rules." Dominic Roberti adopted the above as his life rule and did it well.

Mary Lou Grady

Dom as leader of meditation:

Dom was passionate about the value of meditation in his own life and he committed himself to sharing that passion so that others might benefit from the practice. Month after month, during our sessions with him prior to our Liturgy and CPF meeting, Dom reminded us of the simple truth: Peace is not something you acquire; it's not something you attain; you simply "be peace". With each breath, be peace.

I remember saying to Dom once: "You make it sound so easy, Dom". With a quiet smile, he responded: "It is; but you need to practice, practice, practice … That's not so easy sometimes." For those sessions of Dom's shared wisdom, we are so very grateful.

Joanne Ennis

Dom as compassionate friend:

When I lost my brother and only sibling in 2013, I felt so bereft and sad. Dom approached me and asked if he could hug me. His hug was worth a thousand words. He was a gentle, sweet and humble fellow, generous in deed and care. And brilliant! A blessing to us all.

Dee Bodell

A.Dart Bodell

Bibliography: Dominic Roberti, Essays for Gaia , Infinity Pub., 2012

… be peace – with each breath, be peace .. DomRoberti