Vincentian Priests and Brothers

We have received very sad notice from our beloved Province of Curitiba in Brazil, which we would like to share as soon as possible.  In the early afternoon, Monday, May 3, Fr. Eugênio Dirceu Keller CM (53), Visitor of the Province of Curitiba, was found dead in his room in the Provincial House in Saint Francisco district of Curitiba. He was laying on the floor with bleeding signs from his nose. He had some cardiac problems and taking prescribed medicines. Few years ago he passed cardiac surgery.

Fr Fabiano Spisla CM, Provincial Assistant, has found the body worried that Fr. Dirceu did not appear for lunch in the refectory. “As his car was in the garage, I called his mobile phone. It was not answered. Then, I took the replace key to his room and entered there. This is how we learned about the fatality”, Fr. Spilsa told local Gazeta Do Povo newspaper. The body was taken to Instituto Médico Legal (IML) for detailed examination. Murder Division of Curitiba police is investigating the case. Although murder is not excluded as death reason it is not very possible.  The room was locked, no sign of break in were found, no unusual movement was noticed in the house. Natural death is considered as most possible reason.

Fr. Dirceu failed his Monday routines. As History teacher at Studium Teologicum he was supposed to go to school and hold classes. He did not do it. But, according to Fr. Spisla his Confrere did not report and health issues and did not complain or demonstrate any sign of not being well. The death of Fr. Dirceu is very big “loss” for the community, Fr. Fabiano said.

He was considered a very active and vibrant person. He liked sports especially soccer. On Sunday, Fr. Eugênio celebrated three Masses in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Guajuvira, Araucaria, the metropolitan area of Curitiba. He shared lunch with some priests there and returned home at night. “He was very much loved person, especially in Abranches region where he was pastor for ten years. Instantly, we receive messages from people who want some informations”, Fr. Spisla said.

The wake will be held in Sant’Ana Church in Abranches. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, at 3:00 PM. Afterwards, Fr. Dirceu will be buried at nearby  parish cemetery.

Fr. Eugênio Dirceu Keller was born on January 1, 1957 in Prudentopolis, Parana, Curitiba. Son of Antônio Keller i Júlia de Lima Keller. He was received to the Congregation of the Mission in the Province of Curituba on January 15, 1977. He studied in the St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Araucaria. Ordained priest July 2, 1980. After ordination he was working as vicar in Ibati , in the North of the Province and  pastor of St. Candid Parish in Abranches.  In 1985 he  graduated from Gregorian University in Rome as Master of  Church History.  In 2005 graduated from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro as Master of Thelogy.  He was  member Theology  faculty  of the Vincentian Faculdade Vincentina (Theological College)  in Curitiba.  On July 31, 2008 he was elected Visitor.

Tags: Brazil, C.M., Curitiba, funeral, necrology, Obituary