Reverend Ernest Lawrence Schibli
January 5, 1940-November 12, 2020
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fr. Ernest Schibli at St. Anne’s Hospital on November 12, 2020 at age 80 of Alzheimers. He was the beloved son of the late Ernest Karl Schibli and Dorothea Schibli; brother to Robert (Dawn) and Paul (Anne); uncle to Kimberley, Daniel, Michael, Heather, Lori and Kylie; and cousin to extended families from the Toronto area, Peterborough and Switzerland.
Ernie was ordained a diocesan priest in Montreal in 1964. He dedicated his life ministering to his parishioners of several Montreal parishes and most recently at St. Edward the Confessor Mission for 18 years. A founding member of The Social Justice Committee of Montreal in 1975 (renamed Social Justice Connection), he remained in a leadership role up until a few years ago.
During that time he took countless trips to Central America to support and be in solidarity with those struggling with hostilities and poverty. At home, he worked tirelessly to promote understanding of the causes of poverty and marginalization. He was a good friend to the Salvadoran community in Montreal. Ernie was a kind, dedicated, passionate and humble man.
We’d like to thank the staff of The Lakeshore General Hospital and St. Anne’s Hospital (T4) and all those who prayed, visited and cared for Ernie, especially to Ann Marie Di Michele, a close friend and colleague of Ernie’s who has been there for Ernie and faithfully cared for him through his most difficult and challenging time of his life. Fr. Ernie Schibli will be sorely missed.
Fr. Schibli’s visitation will take place at St. Edward the Confessor Mission, 98 Aurora, Pointe-Claire, H9R 3G7 on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 1-4:30 p.m. and 5:30-8:30 p.m. A liturgy will be held at 8:30 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 19 at 11 a.m., followed by the burial at Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery.
Due to the pandemic regulations, only 25 people will have access to the sanctuary at the same time, and 25 in the south wing. The funeral mass and the burial by invitation only. The funeral mass will be live streamed: https://www.twitch.tv/stedwardtheconfessor/schedule
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Social Justice Connection (www.sjc-cjs.org) or St. Edward the Confessor Mission (www.stedwardtheconfessor.ca) would be appreciated.
Funeral arrangement entrusted to Voluntas (514-695-7979, voluntas.ca).
VISCARRA MARTA
November 15, 2020 at 10:25 pmPère Ernie, était pas seule un bon ami pour la communauté des salvadoriens, Il a été notre accompagnateur dans la foi et l engagement chrétien et la justice social, Il a été notre “père” d adoption, le protecteur et tuteur officieux de nos enfants, qui ont grandi avec leur amour et dédication. Merci infinitement pere Ernie de votre amour. Reposez vous en paix, comment vous étiez dans la vie.
Frances Arbour
November 16, 2020 at 12:19 pmMy contact with Ernie related to the years when I worked at the Inter-Church Committee on Human Rights in Latin America. The main focus of the ICCHRLA’s work at that time was Central America where the situation in El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua were the main focus of our work. Our common commitment to the situation in El Salvador resulted in strong links between ICCHRLA and the Social Justice Committee over many years. Ernie’s deep commitment to the Salvadoran people will long be remembered. May Ernie rest in peace as we recall his deep commitment to justice and peace. Frances Arbour
Frances Arbour
November 16, 2020 at 12:21 pmMy comment has already been sent – see above
Barbara Zerter
November 16, 2020 at 1:02 pmI worked with Ernie in the early days of the Social Justice Committee. Ernie was a lovely, kind, thoughtful and generous person. His commitment to social justice was and remains an inspiration to all of us. i am sure he is busy reconnectiong with all those who went before him who shared his vision of a just and peaceful world. Thank you Ernie for being you.
Stephen Huza
November 16, 2020 at 1:17 pmTo the Schibli families from the West Hill Huza families – we wish to extend our Deepest Sympathies on the passing of Ernie- Father Ernie. May your fond memories carry you through this time of grief. Ernie was a power of example through his devoted support of the underprivileged, his dedication and humility. May be rest in peace. On behalf of the Huza Families – Stephen Huza
Mary Ellen Davis, Montréal
November 16, 2020 at 5:19 pmErnie was a true comrade for justice in Central America and elsewhere. A very sweet, sensitive, inspired man. I have only good memories of him. Ernie, rest in peace and in power. A deep loss for so many. My sympathies for his closest ones.
Eric Lamoureux
November 16, 2020 at 7:06 pmErnie was a quiet hero who sought no attention for himself as he worked to change the world. For decades, he used his unique talents as a speaker and an educator to spread a vision of social justice to Montreal, to Canada and far beyond, working in corners of international solidarity that few other Canadians chose. He could draw people into the difficult and complex work of Central American human rights advocacy as though they had been there, or take the disparities of the global economic system and make them easy enough for a child to understand. I learned more from him in my few years knowing him — about teaching, about justice, about people — than I have from anyone I have ever met. My sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Peter B. Kerr
November 17, 2020 at 12:45 amThank you very much for sending the sad news about Ernie. I first met him in Montreal while working on the California grape boycott in the mid-seventies and in 1991 in Central America travelled with him as he led a tour of the Canada-Central America Urgent Action Network to meet with human rights groups there. I represented the Vancouver-based Christian Task Force on Central America on that tour. He was so supportive and wise and back in my home town of Kelowna now, I remember what a great experience that was for me.
Marcela Villalobos Cid
November 17, 2020 at 6:15 amI had the opportunity to meet Ernie in 2003, when I arrived in Montreal (now I live in France). Ernie received me at the then Social Justice Committee and I got to know the Upstream journal.
Ernie, you are ahead of us in hope. Thank you for your commitment and testimony and for your love for Latin America. May your spirit continue to walk with us.
Caterina Milani
November 17, 2020 at 11:03 amErnie, what a great role model and inspiration you were for us activist for social justice. Avec ton grand cœur et ton ouverture d’esprit, tu as toujours su nous faire sentir a notre place comme militant, comme personne et comme jeune. À l’époque ou je t’ai connue, j’avais 26 ans. Tu m’as encouragé, donné confiance en mes moyens et cru en moi. Cela a contribuer a faire de moi , une militante épanouie et infatiguable quand il s’agit de s’indigner face aux injustices et de passer à l’action pour faire avancer la justice sociale. Merci infiniment pour ta présence de cœur et d’esprit et puisse ton âme reposer en paix et continuer de nous guider. Affectueusement, Caterina .
Kathryn McMorrow
November 17, 2020 at 11:59 amI first met Ernie in the late 70’s and was so inspired by the involvement of the SJC in Central America. His courage and integrity continues to inspire me in my own work in Latin America and my continued involvement with SJC. He will be deeply missed. Sincere condolences to his family, friends and all of the SJC community.
Jeanne Ricard
November 17, 2020 at 3:03 pmJ’ai eu la chance de travailler avec Ernie seulement un bref moment (en tant qu’employée et membre du conseil d’administration de SJC), mais son engagement envers la justice sociale était si central à l’organisme, qu’il est difficile de ne pas être marqué par son travail. Il a réussi à amplifier des voix inspirantes, faire connaître des luttes qui passaient sous silence et motiver les gens à agir. En tant que présidente du conseil d’administration actuel, je voudrais lui faire part que l’héritage de cet engagement profond pour la justice sociale restera vivant au sein de l’organisme encore pour longtemps. My sincere condolences to his family and friends, from all members of the SJC board.
Monsignor Sean Harty
November 17, 2020 at 4:44 pmWhen I was teaching Theology at Concordia U. I would invite Fr. Ernie to come and speak about about Liberation Theology and the significance of the Social
Justice Gospel.To a class well over 100 students he would inspire them and I could see how his words touched them.Their questions were reflective of Fr. Ernie has stimulated them He was a priestly colleague who I greatly respected. Enter now your eternal reward good and faithful servant
Monsignor Sean Harty
Karen Hetherington
November 19, 2020 at 10:20 amI met Earnie on the board of directors of Catholic Community Services in the 1980’s.We clicked immediately with our shared passion for Central America and social justice. Earnie and I worked together on mental health issues ,he baptized both of my children and we remained connected for over 30 years. He was a spiritual leader for all, but especially to the Quebec Salvadoran community.
Linda
November 22, 2020 at 11:44 amErnie was still present at meetings when I first joined SJC, and I was grateful to have met him before he retired. He radiated kindness and patience. He will be missed.