The main image shows the Congregational Leadership Team visit to English Brothers, “Woodeaves”, October 2023
Sadly, the Community have lost their Brother Ignatius (Arthur) Chincotta, who passed away on 17th November after a short illness.
Brother Arthur Ignatius Chincotta was born in Gibraltar in 1936 and educated at Gibraltar Grammar School by the Christian Brothers. He joined the congregation in 1956 having already gained a teaching qualification from the Royal College of Music in London. Ignatius was an immensely talented individual who as a teacher and Christian Brother had a great influence for good on many people. He was a pioneer of Christian Brotherhood in West Africa, opening the first mission in Liberia in 1969. Later he returned as Novice Master and District Coordinator of the West African Region. In all, he spent 28 years in Africa. Intelligent, creative, compassionate, yet humble, Ignatius will be remembered for his kindness and devotion to all God’s creatures. He died on 17th November 2023 in Lady of the Vale nursing home in Bowdon.
In the days following his death, we have received so many messages from Brothers and friends expressing their love and respect for him, as his Brother, John Holden says, “a truly extraordinary human being and Christian Brother who influenced so many lives for the better.” Br Augustine Williams remembers Ignatius as “a great figure in the annals of our Christian Brother West African history. Ignatius was Regional Leader when I joined the brothers. Though a very tough and no-nonsense person, he was gentle as a lamb. May he rest in perfect peace.” Whilst Br Paul Luseni reflected: “Ignatius was my first year Novice Director … a good brother to live with in community. His good works will surely be a light for his eternal journey!”
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, a former pupil of Br Ignatius when he taught at St Mary’s College in Crosby, remembers him and his kindness to the Nichols family and sent his sincere condolences and sympathy to all those close to him.
Brs Gerald Ross, Ignatius Chincotta and John Buckingham cutting their 50th Jubilee cake at Col Keating Novitiate, Green Point, Cape Town in 2006
O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice.
He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.
May we follow his example of faith and generosity.
Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.