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Yesterday afternoon, April 8, 2021 Abbot Xavier passed away peacefully. Recently he had been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
We have not yet decided on funeral arrangements, and we will post the information on the website abbey.org, along with a fuller obituary.
Please remember Abbot Xavier and all the monks in your prayers.
Fr James Doran, OSB
Prior
At the Abbey, Fr. Xavier has served as guestmaster and novice master, but his main work for many years was as Prior to Abbot Gabriel Gibbs, O.S.B., our first abbot. In this capacity, especially as Abbot Gabriel's health declined, Fr. Xavier "inherited" many of his responsibilities. After Abbot Gabriel's death on March 27, 2010, the community voted Fr. Xavier to be the Abbey's second abbot on June 16, 2010.
For numerous years, I made a one week Lenten retreat at St. Benedict's Abbey. At the time, Fr. Xavier was the guestmaster. He was the one that ensured the eating, sleeping and praying accommodations were on schedule and known to all those on retreat. His love for the Church and his warm and welcoming personality had an important, powerful impact on my life for which I am grateful.
Requiescat
In Pace, my friend!
October 23, 1954 ~ April 8, 2021