Brother Basil, OSB
June 20, 1943 - March 2, 2019
A friend of our Order died this morning at 5:00 am. Here are two messages from Michelle Heyne, OA, our Presiding Sister.
To the Order of the Ascension
Our friend Br. Basil, abbot of the Companions of St Luke, died this morning around 5. He was hospitalized in early February and it became clear his condition was incurable about a week ago. His death will be surprising to many. He faced his final illness with grace and peace, with a particular awareness of the joy brought to him by the religious life. Each time Robert and I saw him, he mentioned how important it was to him that we were fellow religious, and he asked us to pray the Office with him.
Basil was a central figure at St Paul’s, Seattle, and a friend to me and Robert, as well as to Bill Parker and Bryan Carr. Those in the Order who have visited Seattle likely met him. Basil’s persistence in the prayers and in encouraging repentance and reconciliation were tangible and vital signs of his vocation. It is hard to imagine the parish without him.
Please pray for Br Basil and for the Companions of St Luke.
The peace of Christ be with you all.
Michelle Heyne, OA
To the Companions of Saint Lukes - Their web site
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I am so sorry to learn of Abbot Basil’s death this morning. He was a dear friend and a blessed example for me of religious life. His presence in our parish, St Paul, Seattle, was central to apostolic witness, especially visible in his stability in praying the public Offices, and his quiet connection to so many. It is almost impossible to imagine parish life without him.
Robert, my brother in the Order of the Ascension, and I were able to visit Basil several times in the last couple of weeks. While it was obvious since late fall that Basil’s health was declining, the latest crisis that led to his hospitalization in early February was a shock. Up until last week, the doctors were talking about rehabilitation. Basil faced the news of his imminent death with grace and calm, and felt embraced and nurtured by the prayers of so many. He loved you all and he loved the Companions of St Luke, and he spoke often of you.
We in the Order of the Ascension will pray with you for the repose of Basil’s soul and for the continuing work of CSL and all of you in your vocations.
The peace of Christ be with you in your grief.
Michelle Heyne, OA
More on Br. Basil
In memory - Anglo Catholic Icons