Our beloved 1st Abbot, Abbot Gabriel, died on March 27, 2010.
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Click on the picture above to read about his amazing life and to see a photo essay of his funeral which was held at Saint Cecilia Church, Leominster, Mass. on April 10, 2010.
Hello my name is Russell Duerr. Brother Benedict was my cousin and also my Godfather. I wanted to say what a great person, mentor, and example Brother Benedict was to me. A few words to describe Brother Benedict would be faithful, passionate, strong, courageous, intelligent, and persistent!
Eulogy given at Brother Benedict's Funeral Mass
May 18, 2011
by his cousin, Russell Duerr
A few memories I have of my Godfather are his love of the faith, love of the Abbey, and love of the simple things in life. Brother Benedict's love of his faith was witnessed from all who knew him. Giving his life up to the Lord is a great example of that faith. His love of faith poured out to others including myself. I can remember growing up receiving different gifts that encouraged my belief and wonder of my Catholic faith. From St. Benedict medals to Catholic booklets to written letters of encouragement, I was blessed to receive them all.
Brother Benedict's love of this Abbey is another fond memory I have. I remember when I first came to visit the Abbey, Brother Benedict gave us a tour and I could tell the relic room was the place he thoroughly enjoyed. Even though I was only nine years old I could tell there was no other place Brother Benedict would rather be than the Abbey. Another lasting memory I have is my Godfather's love for the small things in life. For example, whenever I drink a glass of Coca Cola, I am brought back to the memory of sitting in the Abbey dining room drinking a glass of coke with Brother Benedict. It was very humbling to realize that drinking a glass of Coke which to me was always taken for granted, but to my Godfather it was nothing less than a miracle.
Brother Benedict was, and still is, the person who has influenced who I am today and who I will be in the future. His influence on me really set the foundation of my Catholic faith. Knowing at a young age the great wonder and beauty of Catholicism, which is so evident here at the Abbey, was a blessing and the cornerstone of my faith. Everything I could have hoped for in a Godfather I was blessed to have in my cousin Brother Benedict. Brother Benedict will be greatly missed by myself, his family, his brothers and sisters here at the Abbey, and the many other people he influenced throughout his life. His example of perseverance, faith, and love will still live on here at the Abbey, in myself, and those who were witnesses to his extraordinary life.
In closing I will end with a short poem written by Bro. Benedict
There once was a monk in Rhode Island
Who searched by air and by land
Till he hit upon a place
Full of happiness and grace
And where no one was ever on his case!
Whether it was Don and Doris Qunell from Chicago (left) or Fred and Jane Heinser from Worcester (right), Brother Benedict had more families who wanted to "adopt" him than anyone we know!
Brother Benedict was so proud when the Beirne family asked him to be the godfather of their child. You would think that he practically became an Irishman just for the occasion.
Brother Benedict happy was Brother Benedict working in the monastery chapel.
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