Father Bertrand Hodes, OFM, died Feb. 19, 2005, in San Jose, Costa Rica. He was 92.
Father Hodes graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Rochester and spent six years at St. Andrew’s Seminary. In 1933 he entered the novitiate of the Conventual Franciscans at Syracuse and was professed into the order in 1934.
Father Hodes completed his studies at St. Anthony-on-Hudson, Rensselaer, and at Catholic University, Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1939. Father Hodes spent six years as a professor at Trenton Catholic High School, Trenton, N.J., and in 1946, he was among the first seven Conventual Franciscans to volunteer for the order’s new mission in Costa Rica.
For 14 years, Father Hodes served as pastor and superior of the mission territories of Golfito and Quepos. He then served for several years as commissary provincial of all the friars laboring in Costa Rica. He remained in Costa Rica following retirement.
Father Hodes’ brother, Richard Hodes, who attends Christ the King Church in Irondequoit, praised his brother’s dedication.
“He was a true follower of St. Francis, whose strong faith was an inspiration to all who knew him,” Richard Hodes said.
“He was truly the most devout priest that I’ve ever met, and devoted to his faith,” added Richard’s wife, Dorothy.
Father Hodes was predeceased by his parents, William and Monica; his sisters, Anna and Mary (Blanchard); and his brother Bernard. In addition to his brother, Richard, he is survived by his brother, Joseph; sister-in-law, Julia; several nieces and nephews; his fellow priests and brothers at St. Francis College; and his caretaker, Roberto Zamora in Costa Rica.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on Feb. 22 at St. Francis College in San Jose with burial in Friar’s Plot in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
