In Memory of Brian 1935–2025

SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom - On July 18, 2025, at the Montfort Spiritual Centre of St Joseph in Ashurst, the funeral of Brian John Arthur, a lay associate of the Montfortian family, was celebrated in the presence of many friends, confreres, and volunteers. The liturgy was presided over by Fr. Marco PASINATO, SMM, Vicar General of the Montfort Missionaries, who travelled from Rome to pay tribute to a man who left a deep mark in the hearts of many.

Brian spent the last five years of his life at St Joseph’s, freely choosing it as his home, a place of prayer, service, and human connection. There he shared daily life with the religious community and with the volunteers of Poitiers Care, offering his experience, dedication, and a quiet and profound spirituality. Each summer, he warmly welcomed confreres from all over the world attending English language courses. During the homily, Fr. Marco recalled: “Brian was not just a guest in our community. He was a brother. He prayed with us, lived with us, and had the gift of being fully present to those in front of him.”

Through the tributes — especially the touching eulogy given by his nephew Andrew — a portrait emerged of a man who had journeyed through painful trials with courage and openness to God. After facing illness and addiction, Brian experienced a deep spiritual renewal. His faith was not abstract but deeply embodied. His daily commitment to Poitiers Care, and his concrete attention to the material and spiritual needs of the most vulnerable, were at the core of his life. Fr. Marco linked his witness to the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, which describes the early Christian community as being “of one heart and soul.” “This vision of communion, justice, and sharing was truly reflected in Brian’s life.” Psalm 31 — which Brian himself had chosen — was read as a mirror of his spiritual journey: “Into your hands I commend my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.” A prayer that holds both vulnerability and trust, and that perfectly expressed Brian’s inner style: discreet, yet deeply anchored in God’s mercy.

Brian loved poetry, theatre, reading — and never failed to offer a kind or thoughtful word. Many testified to his attention to small gestures, his quiet humour, and his unpretentious kindness. One woman from the Poitiers Care team recalled: “Even during the last week before his hospital admission, clearly exhausted, he still asked how we were. Brian had a heart of gold.”

His missionary spirit extended beyond the local context. He was an active supporter of the Kisoboka Trust and Notre Dame School in Uganda, and made donations to Montfortian projects in India. His spiritual path had a significant ecumenical dimension: at Minstead Lodge, he accompanied and encouraged many on their personal journey of faith. And finally, who could forget the “sea wolf”? Brian loved sailing his boat, Lively Gull, across the waters of the Solent — a vivid image of his free and contemplative spirit.

Brian did not just leave behind the memory of a good man. He left a living testimony of the Gospel — a faith embodied in simple gestures and daily relationships. As Fr. Marco said at the end of the homily: “Now that you are even closer to your beloved Lord, continue to share your friendship with us through your prayer and blessing. May we one day meet again in the full communion of saints in heaven.” As we bid him farewell with emotion, we are confident that Brian’s testimony will live on — in the hearts of those who knew him, in the projects he supported, and in the Montfortian community he loved so deeply. His memory remains a source of inspiration and a call to a faith that is active, humble, and joyful.