Sunday, December 20, 2020

Goodbye, dear Rafael!

Our Brother Rafael Campbell-Dixon, OHC died peacefully at the Hudson Valley Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Highland, NY on Friday morning. He had suffered from Covid-19 for a few weeks. At the beginning of the week, the nursing home warned us that his death might be getting nearer.

On Wednesday, he got a video-conferencing call from his family and one from his Holy Cross Brothers. He reacted to the voices but was already non-verbal by then. We prayed the litany of the dying and other prayers with him and he tried to fold his hands. Rafael had long been on palliative care in case such a situation developed. He was afforded as much comfort and pain management as possible.

Br. Rafael a faithful monk. From top left, clockwise: his portrait by our friend The Rev. Janet Vincent; getting breviary guidance in choir from Br. Josép; at Br. Aidan's diaconal ordination, sitting between our Diocesan and Visiting  Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Andy Dietsche and Br. Laurence (his nursing home neighbor); enjoying coffee with Br. Robert Hagler is our West Atrium; participating in a carroling session in our Common Room last Christmas.

Br. Rafael was 86 and in the 50th year of his life profession. Throughout his life and in the time of his monastic profession he touched many lives and was dearly loved by his family, Brothers and friends.

We already miss him very much but we are consoled by his freedom from suffering. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for all who mourn him.

Br. Rafael, a.k.a. Uncle Rob. From top left, clockwise: with his visiting nephew Frank; at his favorite chain restaurant (Red Lobster) with Yanick Savain and Br. Aidan; reading in his assisted living cell at the monastery; with Bros. Bernard and Aidan on an outing at Gadaleto's fish restaurant in New Paltz; enjoying refreshments during Annual Chapter - this picture shows our beloved Brothers who passed away this year (Rafael and Roy).

May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace and rise in glory!

On Friday and Saturday, the monastic choir sang the Office of the Departed for Rafael. The cycle of prayer and worship continues unabated at the monastery whether we are buffeted by a Noreaster storm (Wednesday and Thursday) or the death of a beloved Brother.

This weekend, we lit the fourth candle on the Advent wreath to mark the progression of our waiting in hope for the coming of the Christ.

Prayer in choir and with nature. From top, clockwise: Br. Will, first in choir for first Vespers of Advent 4; Br. Josép early for Diurnum; the fully-lit Advent wreath; the snow fall as seen from my cell; Br. Randy marveling at the winter wonderland after the storm; and assessing the photographic possibilities (picture-catcher caught).

May you have a blessed and holy Christmas. No matter who's missing around your holiday table this year, remember we are all together in God's Love (whether in heaven or on earth).


3 comments:

SagaciousHillbilly said...

I’m so sorry to hear this. Spent many fun hours talking to Raphael, walking to the Fireside Inn and down around the river. He always offered advice and perspective laced with humor.and stories of Corn Island.
Egards to all,
Warren Moore.

AJ Nolan said...

I'm so saddened to hear of Br. Rafael's passing, but gladdened to know he was so well cared for, both in his death, and also in his long life as a brother. He was such a kind and funny man. It has been so strange to have to stay away from the monastery for so long, but it is stranger still to have both Roy and Rafael pass in that time. I'm not sure I can even fully process this until it's finally safe to come back to the monastery and actually feel the absence of their physical presence. I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Much love.

Brian P. Craig said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. May God console you all and grant Br. Rafael eternal rest and perpetual light.