Rest in Peace Fr Bede

It is with sadness that we report that Dom Bede, died peacefully on Sunday 10th May. He had been getting increasingly frail but accepted his diminishment graciously. Indeed his spirit was wonderful to the end, when he died in his monastery room whilst the community was singing Midday Prayer in the church. 

Bede came to Worth in 1955 initially to work on the farm. This brought him into contact with the monastery. He was clothed as a novice in February 1958; the first new member of the independent Worth community. He was ordained priest in November 1963.

His pastoral work was thereafter richly varied: teaching in the School, running the Worth Conferences, starting the mission in Peru (1967 – 78), Worth Abbey Parish, Diocesan and Deanery roles, CAFOD, Assistant Bursar, Farm and Estate Manager, School and House Chaplain, Director of Outreach Peru. In all these ministries he built strong bonds of friendship and respect; most especially this was the case in the Apurimac Valley and Lima.

Bede remained very close to his family. Born and brought up in Somerset, he was one of 6 children; his brother, David, and sister, Mary, survive him. Over the years wider family gatherings were a regular feature, and Bede was always deeply appreciative of these, and particularly of the faith that bonded the family together.

Within the monastery Bede notably had two periods as Novice Master, and latterly was archivist. Above all he was a monk who truly sought God; as Saint Benedict commended. He was faithful to prayer and committed to community life. We have lost a faithful and loving brother. May he rest in peace.

(Because of current restrictions the funeral will be private.)