In the last 48 hours the comunity has been saddened by the deaths of three locals who were well-known or of great service to the monastic community. Jenny Smith, the sacristan at the church at Burghfield, which until very recently had been part of the abbey parish, died from cancer. Leopold Antelme also died after illness. He was an Old Dowegian and had been actively involved with the community over many decades. Lady Sonia Fairfax, a stalwart of the abbey church congregation and at one time Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II, died in her home after several months of rapid decline. Both had received the last rites from Fr Oliver and Fr Benjamin respectively.
May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
