On Intimate Terms

My earliest remembrance of the Rev. Carl Blasen is when this jovial priest walked into my logic class and began to teach. A trademark that stamped him was his almost constant affability.

This Marianist priest welcomed all – the sincere seeker or, like me, the sometimes studious pupil. An educator in every sense, Blasen’s good humor, his simple erudition was infectious.

Carl Blasen pursued a quiet way, which led him to the Marianists in 1926. He pronounced his first vows in 1927 and was ordained in 1939.

During these years, Blasen taught in Marianist schools throughout the country. He was a dedicated educator devoted to the Immaculate Mother, whose name he held in serene respect.

Loved by his students, Father Blasen also was highly respected by his superiors who often chose him for positions of authority. He was principal at Marianist schools and dean of students at St. Mary’s University. Also, he was called to establish the second novitiate in Wisconsin. Seemingly there was no limit to his talents, and his ebullient personality.

Available at any time for his students’ confessions, Blasen was a ready and prepared homilist. He frequently gave retreats to students and fellow religious, as well as to others who sought him out. He often preached the 21-day retreat to Marianists preparing for perpetual vows.

Called “Mike” after his father, Blasen was evidently always on intimate terms with the Lord and Lady he served.

As a person lives, so he dies. On a Tuesday morning in May 1993, as he celebrated the liturgy, genial, faithful Father Carl Blasen fell dead at the foot of God’s altar. He was educating us to his last moment, and I count it one of my graces to have witnessed his glorious death.

The Rev. Charles Blasen, S.M., died May 18, 1993, at the age of 84. He was a Marianist for 66 years.