Brother Jeffrey Hines

Brother Jeffrey Hines, OFM Conv., passed away on April 11, 2020, in Bloomington, Minn. He was born Richard Joseph Hines on June 24, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Charles and Marie (Walsdorf) Hines. He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his brothers, Jerry (Barbara) and Tom (Ann), one nephew, three nieces and many relatives.
With his talent for telling stories and a profound devotion to the Blessed Mother (and her mother, St. Anne) Brother Jeffrey gave people a glimpse into the hidden life of Jesus. He spent his life welcoming pilgrims and retreatants across the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, helping them deepen their relationship with God. Depending on the circumstances, he could have a group of people laughing uproariously or praying devoutly.
He entered the Order of Friars Minor Conventual when he was 20, and professed simple vows on July 14, 1962, in Auburn, Ind. He professed his solemn vows on July 26, 1965, at the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation (OLC Shrine) in Carey, where over three different assignments he would spend 22 years of his life.
In addition to his service at OLC Shrine, Brother Jeffrey also served as a guide in Assisi, Italy; director of Franciscan Retreats and Spirituality Center in Prior Lake, Minn.; secretary for the Province of Our Lady of Consolation; and in the education and formation of student Friars.
“He had a profound love for the pilgrims, a deep respect for them and their different heritages,” Brother Bob Roddy said. “In those days there were sometimes 50,000 pilgrims for the Feast of the Assumption. Although he was probably an introvert by nature, he was always very energized by their devotional piety.”
The combination of Brother Jeffrey’s experiences with the pilgrims, his deepening devotion to the Blessed Mother and his skills as a writer resulted in lasting contributions to the Shrine and its visitors. Caught in Chicago during the blizzard of 1978, which immobilized the city and much of the midwest, he turned his isolation in a hotel room into a mini-retreat with the Blessed Mother. During those days he rewrote “A Pilgrim’s Prayer Book” for visitors to the OLC Shrine in Carey. He also wrote a history of the Shrine that continues to be sold in the Shrine Gift Shop.
“He was a person with great appreciation for beauty,” Brother Bob Roddy said. “He was an artist himself. In his journals, besides his writing, there are beautiful pen and ink drawings from his time in Assisi and other places. He had a sense of style. And along with that he had a deep sense of responsibility; he never did anything halfway – always properly and appropriately.”
Funeral arrangements are pending. Memorial gifts may be made to the Province of Our Lady of Consolation, Mission Advancement Office, 103 St. Francis Boulevard, Mount St. Francis, Ind. 47146.
Arrangements were handled by Gill Brothers Funeral Chapel, Bloomington, Minn. Online condolences can be shared at www.GillBrothers.com.