John Ringrose, Former Chancellor & Tribunal Judge, Dies
August 3, 2010
written by Mary Duddy
Three years after retiring from the Diocese of Honolulu for health reasons, former Chancellor and Tribunal Judge, John N. Ringrose, passed away on July 23, 2010.
Ringrose came to Honolulu in 1999 after having received a licentiate in canon law from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada, and after practicing for two years as a judge for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. He was appointed by Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo as tribunal judge for the Diocese of Honolulu on August 1, 1999.
During his eight years of service to the Roman Catholic Church in the state of Hawaii, Ringrose acted as Chancellor, Judge, Promoter of Justice on the tribunal overseeing the exhumation of the body of Venerable Mother Marianne Cope of Molokai, and was part of the tribunal that investigated an alleged miraculous healing attributed to the intercession of Blessed Damien.
In his capacity as tribunal judge, John often ran into angry persons who were unwilling to accept responsibility for their role in the marriage’s failure. Ringrose had a remarkable capability to help individuals see more clearly the reality of the situation. It was not unusual for a petitioner or respondent to arrive full of anger and leave their meeting with John with greater humility and understanding.
Ringrose had strong convictions and was not afraid of confrontation. Perhaps he acquired this toughness from his years of being a coach for the Canadian Olympic weightlifting team in the mid-1970’s. His toughness and integrity allowed him to win the confidence and respect of those he worked with and those he served.
John may have been tough, but never mean-spirited. He helped many people, frequently working as a volunteer at his parish assisting people seeking an annulment, and he was patient with his staff. He never forgot that he was in a role of service, and he took that seriously.
Ringrose understood what it was like to seek an annulment. He and his second wife, Betty Ann, both sought and received annulments before being free to marry each other in the Church. Ringrose said it was worth it, and he encouraged others to do the same. He and Betty happily married at Sacred Heart Church, Punahou, on August 8, 2002.
Hawaii suited Ringrose. After spending most of his life in Canada, he seemed to thoroughly enjoy the change, along with his wife Betty. Poor health alone forced him to retire and move.
Especially memorable for Ringrose was being on Molokai for the exhumation of Mother Marianne’s body. He experienced peace there and came back joyful. May he now experience God’s love and peace more fully.
Condolences may be sent to: Mrs. Betty Anne Ringrose, 302 North Maplecrest Dr., Nixa, MO 65714-8580
written by Mary Duddy
Three years after retiring from the Diocese of Honolulu for health reasons, former Chancellor and Tribunal Judge, John N. Ringrose, passed away on July 23, 2010.
Ringrose came to Honolulu in 1999 after having received a licentiate in canon law from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Canada, and after practicing for two years as a judge for the Archdiocese of Winnipeg. He was appointed by Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo as tribunal judge for the Diocese of Honolulu on August 1, 1999.
During his eight years of service to the Roman Catholic Church in the state of Hawaii, Ringrose acted as Chancellor, Judge, Promoter of Justice on the tribunal overseeing the exhumation of the body of Venerable Mother Marianne Cope of Molokai, and was part of the tribunal that investigated an alleged miraculous healing attributed to the intercession of Blessed Damien.
In his capacity as tribunal judge, John often ran into angry persons who were unwilling to accept responsibility for their role in the marriage’s failure. Ringrose had a remarkable capability to help individuals see more clearly the reality of the situation. It was not unusual for a petitioner or respondent to arrive full of anger and leave their meeting with John with greater humility and understanding.
Ringrose had strong convictions and was not afraid of confrontation. Perhaps he acquired this toughness from his years of being a coach for the Canadian Olympic weightlifting team in the mid-1970’s. His toughness and integrity allowed him to win the confidence and respect of those he worked with and those he served.
John may have been tough, but never mean-spirited. He helped many people, frequently working as a volunteer at his parish assisting people seeking an annulment, and he was patient with his staff. He never forgot that he was in a role of service, and he took that seriously.
Ringrose understood what it was like to seek an annulment. He and his second wife, Betty Ann, both sought and received annulments before being free to marry each other in the Church. Ringrose said it was worth it, and he encouraged others to do the same. He and Betty happily married at Sacred Heart Church, Punahou, on August 8, 2002.
Hawaii suited Ringrose. After spending most of his life in Canada, he seemed to thoroughly enjoy the change, along with his wife Betty. Poor health alone forced him to retire and move.
Especially memorable for Ringrose was being on Molokai for the exhumation of Mother Marianne’s body. He experienced peace there and came back joyful. May he now experience God’s love and peace more fully.
Condolences may be sent to: Mrs. Betty Anne Ringrose, 302 North Maplecrest Dr., Nixa, MO 65714-8580
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