Rev. Roger R. Karban

Roger (he eschewed hierarchal titles) is the greatest person I've known in 77 years....sensitive, wise, knowledgeable, always compassionate. My life was reset by having him in my acquaintance. He instilled in me the understanding that faith is a journey and not a destination. Being in his congregation was the closest I'll ever come to a "Camelot" experience.

Father Karban taught my Bible as literature class in college and he was well respected at st Louis University. He also did my father's funeral mass at Saint Henry's in Belleville in 1999. He was an exceptional man whose intelligence rivaled his humor. He will be missed.

was saddened to learn of Fr.Karban's passing. My folks, especially my dad, found him to be a good friend and helpful spiritual adviser. And my dad loved Fr. K's herd of llamas :) Holding all who were touched by Fr. Karban's spirit in prayer.

Fr. Karban will be missed! He blessed so many persons in the Belleville diocese and beyond by bringing the Scriptures alive through so many formats—whether religion classes, Scripture classes, writings, ordinary conversations and simply being present in people’s lives.
I had a chance to reconnect with him several years ago and it was as if all the years had not passed by. I appreciated that it was easy to talk with him -- he was attentive and down-to-earth. The fact that he was a scripture scholar, etc. didn’t overshadow his being present to people and engaging in conversations and reflection about their lives and life in general.
He came at the right time in our Church as he worked to help people understand Scripture as nourishment for the living of their faith, both personally and communally. I pray that we continue to be enlivened as we remember his challenges and the inspiration of his words and life.
My prayers are also of gratitude for Fr. Karban. And I especially hold in prayer his family, Virginia Dowling and so many others that we all may know peace as Fr. Karban now enjoys God’s new life.