1. Br. Benedict’s body will be received by the community at 8:30 AM on Saturday, 26 January. After his reception into the choir and the prayers are completed, the continuous Psalter will commence.
2. The continuous Psalter, prayers for his eternal life, is recited by two people sitting in choir for a fifteen minute “watch”; then they are replaced by the next two. Our Guests may also participate with the monks. The Psalter continues until 1:55 PM.
3. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 2:00 PM and will conclude with the procession to the cemetery, the committal of Br. Benedict’s body to the earth and the burial.
4. Afterwards, a reception with light refreshment will be available in the monastic refectory.
Because we are expecting an overflow of guests, we will be making an effort to accommodate all in the Chapter Room and Refectory, with close circuit TV to broadcast the Mass. Priests will bring communion to those locations. Special seating will be reserved for Br. Benedict’s family in the monastic church.
The Lay Cistercians of Holy Cross Abbey will be assisting with parking and ushering guests to available seating.
Since parking space is limited, please make an effort to carpool.If you require handicap access, please email ahead to frjames@virginiatrappists.org
Rather than traveling long distances to the funeral on Saturday, you may want to consider organizing and celebrating a Memorial Service for Br. Benedict in your own locale, for your particular group–for example, the publishing or dance communities in NYC, the Baltimore Friends, etc.
Thank you for your prayers, your interest, your messages of appreciation and your support of Br. Benedict’s family and his monastic community.