Thursday, 5 July, 2012 at 5:15 PM: Fr. Edward’s body will be received by Abbot Robert Barnes and the community into the Abbey Church. A prayer is offered and our brother is welcomed one last time into choir, where he once offered daily worship. Vespers from the Office of the Dead is celebrated at 5:30 PM.
Following Vespers, two monks will keep Vigil praying the Psalms by Fr. Edward’s body. Friends and Guests are invited to take part, partnering with one of the monks. We begin at Psalm 1 and continue through the Psalter for a half hour before being replaced by the next two Psalmists. This first Vigil of Psalmody continues from the end of Vespers until 7:25 PM; Compline follows at 7:30 PM.
Friday, 6 July, 2012, 3:30 AM: Vigils from the Office of the Dead. At approximately 4:20 AM, the Vigil of Psalmody is resumed until 6:55 AM, followed by Lauds from the Office of the Dead at 7:00 AM.
[Mass will be offered after Lauds for our Guests in the Retreat House after Lauds]
8:00 AM to 8:55 AM: the Vigil of Psalmody is resumed for the last time.
9:00 AM: Mass of the Resurrection. The Burial of Fr. Edwrad’s remains in the monastic cemetery follows immediately.
Joseph Gentilini says
Father Edward was a man of great holiness and grace. He was helpful and gracious to me and my partner over many years. He will remain in our prayers and we will count on his. We can only imagine what a joy he is experiencing now with God – all heaven is joyful because he is there. God bless and grace your community as we know his passing will be keenly felt by the monks.
Joseph Gentilini and Leo Radel
Catherine D. Hicks says
When I went on retreats at Holy Cross back in the 90’s and every year up until a few years ago, I always met with Father Edward for some spiritual guidance. He was such a joyful and enthusiastic Christian, and he was thoughtful and supportive of my spiritual journey. From year to year, he kept up with not only what I was doing, but he’d remember every member of my family. He helped me in a powerful way to grow in Christ’s love through all of those years. He’s one of my role models for how to live a joyful Christian life. I am deeply grateful for the formation and the comfort and the discipline of prayer that I gained from all those retreats at Holy Cross. To all of you at Holy Cross, I send my gratitude for your hospitality for all those years, and for being available to those of us outside your walls. And thank you for the loving care that you provided to Fr Edward in those last difficult years. God’s peace and my love to all of you. Catherine Hicks