Over one thousand people attended a Memorial Mass Monday morning for the soul of Seminarian Brian Bergkamp.
Brian went missing in the Arkansas River on Saturday July 9th, 2016 while trying to save a woman.
The Bishop Carl Kemme, of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception to remember his life.
Brian was a seminarian studying for the priesthood. Brian's fellow seminarians of Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland were present. Three bishops and many other deacons and priests attended.
"Our faith gathers us together this morning to pray for and remember our brother Brian Bergkamp," said Bishop Carl Kemme.
Brian's brother Andy, a deacon, delivered the homily. He explained; "Words cannot express how much your prayers have meant to us or how helpful it has been." July 9th, Brian was on the Arkansas River, kayaking with four other people when they lost control. Three people made it to shore but Brian went back for the fourth.
He removed his life vest and gave it to the woman, saving her.
"Although not brought to fruition, Brian diligently gave himself to seminary formation. He was a Christian gentleman, living a faithful life, ready to give his life at a moment's notice," said Andy Bergkamp.
Bishop Carl Kemme told stories of Brian's loyalty.
"That's what I'll take, for the remainder of my days and what a gift it was," said Kemme. He will be remembered as a man who gave his life for others.
"He may not have been a priest, but lived and died in the most priestly way," said Kemme.
FULL MASS Video will be added to this post Tomorrow.
Comments