Baby Brian’s Story is a Jewel with Many Facets
The story of Baby Brian has many dimensions to draw us into contemplation of God’s goodness and the preciousness of life. It is easy to see that it is a consoling message for parents who have lost an infant child, but there are many other facets worthy of our notice.
An additional facet of the story that stands out for me is that it is a message that can be used to evangelize and strengthen and enliven the faith of many. The story resonates with many who hear it. It is a story of birth, death and resurrection. The story is mingled with the sadness of death, but turns our focus to the triumphant joy of the resurrection.
Another intriguing aspect of this story is the layers of providence it has taken to make this story known. First, that if the parents had not requested reburial they—and the world—would never have known about the incorrupt condition. The discovery of incorruptibility also became possible only because of the “providential accident” of the back hoe piercing the coffin. The story offers an important reminder that our loving God is always working in our midst, sometimes in ways that are hidden, and sometimes revealed for us to see.The story also supports the pro-life movement and the proposition that every human life has dignity and is precious. Parents being open to bringing new life into the world allow God’s will to be done. Even though Baby Brian lived only 43 minutes, his life will have an impact on many lives now and for generations to come.
I have called Highmore my hometown for more than fifty years and as a retired Catholic priest it has been unexpected and incredibly great blessing to be able to share the story of Baby Brian—and watch as their hearts stir with wonder, awe, a deepening of faith, and a deeper appreciation for the dignity of the child.
Fr. David Axtmann
Fr. Dave was born on May 25, 1944, and spent his childhood in North Dakota. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota, worked as a law clerk for the North Dakota Supreme Court, and served as a VISTA volunteer on the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Reservations. He then practiced law privately for 33 years in Highmore, South Dakota, and served as Hyde County State’s Attorney for over 29 years. In 1973, he married GuenEtta Lynch, with whom he had four children, including Fr. Mark Axtmann, now also a priest in the Diocese of Sioux Falls. His family life was marked by active engagement in church and civic groups, foster parenting, and enduring both the loss of his wife and the tragic death of his son Eric.After these personal experiences, Fr. Dave entered Holy Apostles Seminary in Connecticut and was ordained a Catholic priest in 2006. He served parishes in Sioux Falls, Webster, and Waubay until his retirement in 2016 and continues to assist in ministry and at the Sioux Spiritual Center. In recent years, he enjoys his seven grandchildren and has been active in Right to Life advocacy at the local and state level. His unique diversity of experiences in law, marriage, parenting, grief, and ministry inform his pastoral approach as he continues to serve the community around him.