My Brother, John

Description

A Biography of Fr. John Crossin, OSFS, by his brother Bob.

“I always looked up to John, my big brother. Pretty much everything he undertook, he excelled at. Yet, he acted just like a regular guy. He visited us often. He never forgot his family despite all his pursuits and ministries. Then, in May, 2023, he died suddenly, without much warning.  The reactions of so many people to his illness with true concern was the first clue I had of the impact he had on so many. 

In December, 2024, I decided to write the story of his life from a brother’s perspective. I reached out to many of his friends and they told me stories of their relationship with John. The book is a mixture of his writings and these stories and family stories. It is meant as a tribute to him as he was a very humble person.

John wrote most often about virtues. He believed in respect for all as made in the image of God. He believed this to be key to breaking down barriers and unifying and reconciling with others who are different from you. Thus, he was always willing to listen with respect to others and was open to truly considering their views. He was a very positive and hopeful person who believed unity and healing possible, whether it be amongst different faiths or factions or individuals. 

For me, I can see this approach, which emphasizes building community, trust, and and living ethically, as one we need in society if we are to break down the walls we have built. It won’t be easy, but if we’re willing to do the work, I too am a man of optimism and hope, that we can build bridges, not walls. And I hope the example of my brother, John, will lead you to that conclusion too!” — Bob Crossin, November, 2025