Saying goodbye to Brother Richard (1945 - 2021)

Our Brother Richard Vaggione died at Kingston Hospital on Saturday, October 23, 2021. He had been in poor health for a long while. An unexpected worsening of his situation justified a hospitalization this week. Because of Covid-19 restrictions we we not able to be with him in the ICU. But he was, and is, in the prayers of his brothers. Please pray for the repose of his soul.

Archival pictures of our Brother Richard Vaggione. From top left, clockwise: close-up from a portrait by The Rev. Janet Vincent; on an excursion on the Hudson River at Chapter 2019 (with the late Br. Tom Schultze in the forefront); at a New Year's Day community celebration with Br. Robert Hagler in the front and the Rev. Matthew Wright, in between them; visiting the late Br. Rafael at his Highland nursing home with Br. Aidan; preaching at the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination this past February; seated in the chancel on the same occasion.

Brothers John, Robert Leo and I are in the midst of a medium-term project in our libraries (the Avery Brooke Library in the guesthouse and the Monastic Library in the enclosure). These weeks, we are focusiong on the guesthouse library. We get together one morning a week to proceed to the weeding of books in bad condition or considered obsolete or not pertinent for their purpose. This makes shelf space for newer and more adequate books to take their place. We subject each weeded book to a double review by two of us to decide what to keep and what to let go. It's a delicate task for monks who tend to be book lovers.

Monks at work. From top left, clockwise: Brothers John and Robert Leo weeding books from the guesthouse library (4 pictures); Br. Josép on a vocations minister video call in his office where he has stored Impatiens and Geranium plants for wintering (Br. Bernard taking the picture in reflection in the window).

We have had a house full of guests for most of the week. The weather has been ideal October weather. The gardens have been a popular hangout.

Hanging out at the monastery. From top, clockwise: two guests enjoying the Hudson River view; a mug of coffee and a good book - life is good; a spirited game of backgammon in Pilgrim Hall.

While the weather is cooling off somewhat, we haven't yet had freezing nights. As a result, the gardens continue to bloom for the greatest joy of our guests and honeybees. We are blessed.

Blooms. From top left: mums gracing St Benedict's icon; mums close-up; rose, wildflower, foliage and herbs mix in this Br. Robert James arrangement (2 pictures); the asters continue to please our honeybees.

Autumns blessings to you too.