Saying adieu to a Brother

This past Tuesday, we bid adieu to Br. Robert Hagler. Several friends of his traveled to the monastery for his funeral. In French, "adieu" is what you say when you know you won't see a person again in your life. Litteraly, it means "to God;" I will see you again in the presence of God in heaven.

Br. Robert Hagler's funeral. From left, clockwise: an archival portrait of Robert (credit: Janet Vincent); Robert's ashes under a pall in the church (2 pictures); Robert's ashes being immured in our columbarium in St Michael's chapel (our crypt under the church).

We gratefully welcomed a drop in the day temperatures. It's still hot outside but not unpleasantly so. We have again enjoyed the outdoors.

Monastery creatures. Br. Carl reading outside, near his cell (2 pictures); two young groundhogs enjoying the grass near our generator.

We continued to enjoy the floral composition that our Superior, Br. Robert James had composed for Br. Robert Hagler's funeral throughout the week. We continue to make bouquets of hortensias. And day lilies are coming into their own.

Blossoms. From top left, clockwise: day lilies from our garden in the entrance to the church; a floral composition by Br. Robert James near the ambo (three pictures); Br. Bernard waiting to ring the bell.

May Br. Robert Hagler rest in peace and rise in glory.