By Reynette Pierre

The funeral Mass of Benedict Nivet, regarded as a pioneer of the Apostleship of Prayer Mpvement, took place on Wednesday, December 30, 2009. Chief Celebrant was Fr Michael Makhan, Spiritual Director of the group. Concelebrants included Frs Herbert Charles, parish priest of St Francis, Belmont, Joe Harris, parish priest of St Ann’s, Tiernan and Reginald De Four.

This photo of Archbishop Gilbert with the writer and Madeleine and Benedict Nivet, was taken at the Apostleship of Prayer Rally in June 2007 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Curepe.

In his sermon, Fr Makhan referred to Mr Nivet as an icon of the Catholic Church, given his years of dedicated service and commitment to the Apostleship of Prayer. He commented that this devoted husband and family man of character and faith who attended Mass regularly, could be considered a saint in his own way since his very name Benedict – Benedictus means blessed by God. He described the funeral liturgy – Benedict’s farewell – as an expression of love, admiration and affection of a good and faithful servant of God. Fr Makhan ended by asking the congregation to examine their contribution to life since everybody in this world has something to justify their existence.

An anonymous author said, “when a man dies, what he does for himself dies with him, what he does for others lives on forever.’’ Undoubtedly the simple things that Mr Nivet did for others in an extraordinary way, for example, promoting the devotion to the Sacred Heart, by being a man of unfailing good cheer thus often lifting many spirits and putting smiles on their faces, would definitely live on forever. His promotion of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has deepened the spirituality of many. The Apostleship of Prayer Committee and its members will always have a special place for Mr Nivet in their hearts. To his beloved wife, Madeline Nivet and his children, we say: may the memory of his smile warm you like the sun, may the memory of his laughter echo in your hearts, may the light of your best enrich all of your days.