Father Robert Swann Pittman – a Washington, D.C. native who was a priest of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament for nearly 65 years and who for many years ministered at the Body of Christ Farm in Waldorf, Maryland – died April 24 in Richfield, Ohio. He was 93.

The son of Robert and Alice Pittman, the future priest was born June 22, 1928 and baptized at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Southeast Washington. He grew up in St. Peter’s Parish in Waldorf.

Father Pittman entered the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in Barre, Massachusetts, in 1950 and professed religious vows in 1953. He studied philosophy at the congregation’s major seminary of St. Joseph in Cleveland, Ohio, and continued studies for his doctorate in theology, Greek and Latin and classical languages in Rome.

He was ordained a priest on July 13, 1958 in Rome. After his ordination, Father Pittman taught in seminaries in Maputo, Mozambique from 1959 to 1960, in Wareside, England from 1960 to 1964; and in Washington, D.C., from 1964 to 1980. In 1968, he founded Black Leadership and Christ’s Kingdom Society (B.L.A.C.K.S.), which provided outreach to disabled persons.

In 1981, he began his ministry at the Body of Christ Farm in Waldorf. The 106-acre farm, which he founded, invites disadvantaged, disabled and at-risk youth to work on the farm and learn farming techniques. They also attend Bible study and Mass at the farm. As part of his work there, Father Pittman studied for a master’s degree in agricultural education at the University of Maryland.

“His passion was founding the Black Leadership and Christ’s Kingdom Society, teaching local children at the farm about the Eucharist and preparing them for their First Communion,” noted a statement released by the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in announcing Father Pittman’s death. “He also instructed many people who frequented the farm about prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament and living the Eucharist to bring about justice and unity.”

Outside of the Body of Christ Farm, Father Pittman provided pastoral assistance when needed to St. Michael’s Parish in Baden, Maryland, St. Dominic’s Mission in Aquasco, Maryland, St. Joseph’s Parish in Pomfret, Maryland, and at other parishes in Charles and St. Mary’s counties

Father Pittman ministered at The Body of Christ Farm until he suffered a stroke in 2017. He moved to Regina Health Center in Richfield, Ohio, where he lived until his death. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

A funeral Mass was offered April 28 in the Holy Family Chapel at Regina Health Center. A memorial Mass for Father Pittman will be offered May 5 at noon at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Waldorf. Burial will be private.