Benedict Simmonds
b. 11/30/38
d. 1/17/13
First profession 3/21/86
Solemn profession 6/17/89
Br. Benedict Simmonds died peacefully Thursday evening at 8:00 PM. Abbot Robert Barnes and Abbot Damian Carr (of Spencer, here for a meeting) were with him reciting the prayers for the dying.
In the course of the day, a number of Br, Benedict’s local friends–Shirley Echelmann, Madeline MacNeil, Beverly Pearce, George Patterson, George Ohrstrom–either volunteered time to watch at his bedside or visited to say their farewells. Br. Benedict had expected to die five years ago from a congenital kidney problem but had to courageously soldier on with fatigue and physical limitations. Yet he would participate in important community meetings and cast his vote in community decisions, very much a part of our life at Holy Cross Abbey. It is both a sorrowful and beautiful day in the community, a monastic life beautifully concluded.
When the schedule for his funeral is finalized, it will be posted here
Bill McClellan says
January 18, 2013 at 12:11 pmBrother Benedict was a friend to all, always with a smile and often with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He was a profoundly gifted listener, patiently waiting to capture the true essence of what someone was saying to him, and then quietly, in just a few words, going straight to the the heart of the issue at hand. Brother Benedict used his many gifts to become a selfless Community Maker, always able to figure out while someone was talking with him, exactly who he could introduce that person to, in order to solve problems and help all concerned grow and make progress together. A great and good man.
Bill McClellan, Herndon, VA
jim polito says
January 18, 2013 at 1:25 pmMy sincerest condolences to all on the passing of Brother Benedict
Dianne Wicklein says
January 18, 2013 at 2:13 pmOur Lord Jesus has opened his welcoming arms to dear Brother Benedict. It’s hard to put into words ones feelings at this time, but I will share that Brother Benedict most perfectly showed the world the face of joy. I’ve never seen its compare in another human face. He was a wonderful preson that I had the privledge to know through fundraising friends and connections at Georgetown University – Roseanne Casey (God rest her soul) and Rabbi Harold White. Rest in Peace, dear Benedict. Dianne
Mary Pelham White says
January 18, 2013 at 3:04 pm“He Who Is Blessed” ~ Br. Benedict. I am so grateful to have known him.
Lewis joins me in sending love to the Community and to Andy and Heidi
Dan Walters, OSB says
January 18, 2013 at 3:04 pmBenedict is with the angels now. May he rest in peace.
Fr Conrad Hoover says
January 19, 2013 at 10:16 amBenedict was a wise and gentle man. I will always treasure in my heart the times I was able to sit at his feet.
Capt. Don Sanders says
January 20, 2013 at 12:56 amBenedict…. my dear friend Harvey…. we met while sitting on the hood of an abandoned car on a deserted wharf in New Orleans as we watched the Mississippi River and dreamed and schemed of a thousand things. Over the years our paths took different directions, yet, you remained close-by in my thoughts… and just this past week I wondered how you were and how I could find out about you… and then a mutual friend said you had died.
Farewell old and good friend. The Mississippi River and the steamboat DELTA QUEEN and crew have lost one of their own. Rest easy….
Margaret Lee says
January 20, 2013 at 7:33 amBr Benedict greeted me at the door of the guesthouse when I first ventured to Holy Cross back in the early ’80’s. I had brought The Rule of St Benedict with me in order to immerse myself. I realized he greeted me, a seeking Presbyterian wife and mother at the time, as he would have greeted Christ himself. He loved me from this first glance. The love of this first meeting, it’s very few words, and subsequent prayer requests and prayers, have suffused my entire life ever since. Rest in peace, dear Blessed One.
A sister in Christ.
Pamela Russo says
January 20, 2013 at 8:33 amDear Brothers,
Ted and I are saddened by the death of Br. Benedict. We are so sorry for your loss. We pray you are consoled by God’s Great Love for Benedict and for all of Holy Cross Community of Brothers. We keep you in prayer.
Peace and Love,
Pam and Ted
Nancy and Wayne Smith says
January 22, 2013 at 11:01 amWe are saddened by Harvey’s passing but glad he is at peace. He was a great cousin and friend.
Carla De Landri says
January 22, 2013 at 8:41 pmBrother Benedict was a kind and gentle soul. He welcomed our team from ABC News decades ago and patiently educated us about the religious life of the monastery and its working mission so that we could prepare an accurate story. We stayed in touch and I treasure his caring words. May his soul rest in peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I extend my deepest condolences to the community.
Carla De Landri