It is with heavy hearts that Project Lazarus announces the loss of our dearly beloved founder, Father Paul Desrosiers. Father Paul passed away quietly in his sleep at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church Parish where he was pastor. Father Paul, along with Franciscan Father Bob Pawell, started Project Lazarus in 1985 in response to the AIDS epidemic. With the blessing of Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, Project Lazarus became first Catholic AIDS hospice in the country.
Father Paul’s last visit to Project Lazarus was just this past Friday for our Thanksgiving celebration. Asked what he was grateful for, Father Paul said humbly, “I give thanks for all of you and I give thanks for having the foresight to create Project Lazarus.” He then smiled shyly.
As a community, we are grateful to be able to carry on his work of providing a safe home and life-sustaining services to people living with HIV. Father Paul was truly a role model who taught us all how to live in the positive. May Father Paul shine in His light for all of eternity!
In this week of Thanksgiving, Project Lazarus remembers and gives thanks for Father Paul Desrosiers!
