Compassion drove Alexian Brothers provincial

The provincial of the Alexian Brothers Congregation --- viewed as the second in command of the religious order, worldwide --- has passed away.

Br. Richard Dube was midway through his four-year term as head of the Alexian Brothers, and all of their ministry sites in the United States, Philippines and Hungary, when he died on Sunday.

The 68-year-old brother had lived in the Alexian Brothers residence since his appointment as provincial, on the campus of Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village.

Colleagues are crediting Br. Dube with putting the Alexian Brothers' Catholic mission of compassion and ministering to the poor, front and center among its many health care facilities.

"He empowered everyone around him, calling them co-ministers of the Brothers' mission," said Br. Jim Classon, vicar provincial. "He instilled our values in everyday life."

While the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network expanded across the Northwest suburbs to include four medical facilities filled with state-of-the-art technologies, Br. Dube made sure the mission was at the focus of their work, colleagues said.

"His legacy will be that he merged the mission and the margin," said Matt Wakeley, communications director for the order. "He returned the emphasis on spiritual and holism, and reinvigorated the spiritual committees at each of the hospitals."

It was his own need to reinvigorate his spiritual life that brought Br. Dube to the Alexian Brothers. He came to his vocation later in life, at the age of 49, after carving out a career as a professional musician, playing piano in clubs and dance halls.

In an interview captured on You Tube and posted on the Alexian Brothers Web site, Br. Dube said the order's work in medical facilities, along with the chance to live in religious life, drew him to them.

Ironically, it was Br. Dube's vision to take to the Internet, and You Tube videos, in the quest to recruit vocations.

"I thought maybe, I could make a difference somehow, to someone else," Br. Dube said in the video filmed two years ago.

Br. Dube had been serving as spiritual wellness director at Sherbrooke Village, an assisted living residence run by the Alexian Brothers in St. Louis, when he was elected provincial. He began in their activities department, playing the piano and accordion for residents.

Visitation will be held 2-8 p.m. Thursday, in the chapel at Alexian Brothers Medical Center, 800 W. Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village. The funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Julian Emyard Catholic Church, 601 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village.