In Loving Memory of Fr. Duane A. Balcerski, C.S.C.

December 26, 1940 – October 17, 2025

I give thanks to God for the gift of Fr. Duane, whose life was a blessing to me, my family and to many other people in Fort Portal, where he served for a long period of time. News of his death came as a shock to my inbox. Though our hearts grieve his passing, we trust that he now rests in the loving arms of our Lord, embraced in eternal life and peace.

Fr. Duane A. Balcerski, C.S.C.

Fr. Duane was ordained a Holy Cross priest in Kitagwenda (Uganda) in 1971, after studies in the U.S. and pastoral work in East Africa. From that time onward, he devoted himself generously to the mission of Christ and to God’s people.

 While in Uganda, Fr. Duane served in many roles: parish work at Butiiti, teaching sciences at St. Mary’s Seminary, chaplaincy and bursar at Kinyamasika Teacher Training College, retreat ministry at Saaka, and as diocesan treasurer for the Fort Portal Diocese. Later, he returned in various capacities to serve at the Holy Cross Novitiate in Fort Portal, assisted in parish ministry, and continued to nurture vocations and formation of novices before he returned to the U.S. to take up other ministries.

 But beyond titles and assignments, those of us who knew Fr. Duane remembers how he journeyed with us: He was deeply spiritual and always encouraged us to love God. Many novices of his time also testify that he challenged them in prayer, guided them in discernment, and shared his rooted trust in God in a way that drew others closer.

He was intentional, in his care, in his teaching, and in how he listened. He did not simply pass by; he walked with people, noticing joys and struggles, offering counsel, support, encouragement, and presence. When things didn’t go right, he reacted in a way that made him truly human. My older brother once told us a story about him and a fisherman who provoked him at the dock at Lake Saaka and he reacted by saying, “… Otanyebesa Ruhanga” (…Don’t make me forget God).

He was a good cook, a gift that grounded his hospitality and bonded him with my father, who also happened to be a good cook, and perhaps that’s why they were such close friends. I believe he built community by walking with people and being with them and like them, no matter the situation. He taught many young people in Saaka to swim and play football and the only community playground that still survives in Saaka was made by him. May he rest in peace that way he connected with the community and nurtured the talents of many, encouraging and even supporting them to go to school.

He was a loyal friend and brother in ministry. He collaborated with bishops and fellow priests (including Bishop McCauley in East Africa), always willing to serve where needed, always ready to give his strength and wisdom.

Fr. Duane (Right) with Bishop McCauley (Left) at Mass in Saaka Novitiate

 I heard a lot about his ministry at Brother André House of Hospitality in Arizona. What stood out was that he loved what he did and the people he served. This is the witness that Pope Leo XIV invites us to pay attention to in his exhortation “Dilexi Te.”

When my father passed on, Fr. Duane was the first person from abroad who comforted us, saying, “Don’t worry, he is gone. He was a good man. I know he is in a better place and told us “For you, emulate his example and I will do what I can to stand with you.” With dedication and faithfulness, he stood with us.

In our memories, Fr. Duane stands as a witness to a man whose life gave testimony to charity, simplicity, service, and holiness.

As followers of Christ, we take comfort in the promise that “to live is Christ, to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) Though Fr. Duane has passed from our sight, his legacy lives on in the many hearts he formed, the communities he built, and the love he shared. May our loving God now embrace him fully, welcoming him into the joy of eternal life and peace.

 Please join me in this prayer for Fr. Duane

Almighty and merciful Father,
You have called Fr. Duane from this life to yourself;
grant that as he died in union with Christ,
so may he now live forever with Him in glory.

We thank you for the gift of his life,
for his witness, his service, and his love.
May his memory inspire us to serve you more faithfully,
to serve one another more deeply,
and to walk humbly with you each day.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Br. Adolf Mugume, CSC