ABBOT JEROME LUKE RIGBY, O.S.B., fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church, March 17, 2012. First Abbot of Saint Louis Abbey, beloved brother of the monks of Saint Louis Abbey, uncle of Dr. Hugh O’Brien (Eveline), Sally Underwood (John), and Clare Parham of England, valued friend and counselor to many.

Born in Surrey, England,  August 17, 1923, Jerome Rigby was clothed as a monk at Ampleforth Abbey in 1941 and ordained priest in 1950. In 1955 he became a founding monk of Saint Louis Priory, serving as Prior (superior) of the community from 1967 to 1989. When the Priory was raised to the status of Abbey in 1989, he became the first Abbot and served until 1995. In 2003 Abbot Luke contracted pulmonary fibrosis and lived in a debilitated state at the Abbey until his death, spending long hours in prayer for the community and for the extended Abbey family and giving to his fellow monks a witness of patient endurance. Abbot Luke was loved by many; no one who met him was untouched by his kindness and wisdom.

The body will be received at Saint Louis Abbey at 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 23. An all-night vigil of silent prayer will be kept with the body in the Church. Those wishing to pay their respects are welcome from 6:00 p.m. until the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 24. Burial will follow immediately in the cemetery adjacent to the Abbey monastery. Reception will follow in the monastery.