A pastor and a true missionary, Fr. Patrick Patterson, C.PP.S., 83, of the United States Province, died on September 26, 2022, at St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio. He had been in failing health.

Fr. Patterson served for many years in Chile, ministering at parishes in Rio Negro and Valdivia in southern Chile. He was also director of the Chilean Vicariate for a time. When he returned to the United States, he served for many years at a parish in Columbus, Ohio, ministering particularly to the Latino community there. He retired to St. Charles in 2013 and dealt with his many health issues with patience and grace.

Throughout his life, Fr. Patterson was known as a man of intellect and a man of service. He was able to learn whatever he needed to help people, noting that he failed his French and Latin classes in high school, but later became fluent in Spanish when he ministered among Spanish-speaking people.

Typically smiling, he had a good sense of humor and a companionable approach to people, all people. He worked for social justice no matter where he was assigned and was dreaming of ways to promote solar power at St. Charles Center right up until his death.

“I’m not afraid to go on to the other side,” he said near the end of his life. “I never asked for any of my appointments, but I fell in love with every place I was sent. And I know this will be the same.”

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on October 14 at St. Charles Center. Interment of his ashes will follow the Mass in the Community cemetery.

May he rest in peace.