Fr. Damian Sturdy O.S.B. Requiescat in Pace

+

Of your charity pray for the soul of

DOM DAMIAN STURDY O.S.B.

Monk of Prinknash

who died on Monday, 19^th March 2018

aged 70

R.I.P.

P

eter Sturdy was born on 23^rd September 1947 and brought up as an Anglican, in which Communion he thought of taking Orders. As a young man he worked for the BASF recording company in London, a city whose social life he much enjoyed.  At length, after a stay in Rome, he decided to enter full communion with the Catholic Church and was received by the late Monsignor Miles at St James's, Spanish Place.  Shortly afterwards, in 1980, he joined Prinknash as a postulant.  After making his Temporary Profession on 15^th August 1982, and his Solemn Profession on 15^th August 1985, he went forward for the Priesthood, and studied for a couple of years at St Benet's Hall, Oxford, being ordained priest, alongside Abbot emeritus Dom Francis Baird, on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, 7^th October 1989 by Bishop Mervyn Alexander of Clifton.  Damian worked principally in the Sacristy (a task to which he brought great flair) and as Master of Ceremonies, Cellarer and Stipendiary (Mass Offerings).  His unforgettable charm meant that he was much in demand socially, had a wide circle of friends, and brought several people into full communion with the Catholic Church.  He will be particularly lamented by Prinknash's faithful group of lay Altar Servers (which he founded) and by devotees of the Extraordinary Form Mass, which he reintroduced to Prinknash on a regular basis in 2002.  The last 15 months of his life were spent at Nazareth House, Cheltenham, where he was devotedly cared for by the sisters and lay staff.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

F

ather's funeral will take place at Nazareth House, 344 London Road, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, on Wednesday, 4^th April at 10am followed by a private burial at Prinknash.  All are welcome, but those wishing to attend, or concelebrate at, the Funeral Mass, are asked to inform:-

fathermarkhargreaves@gmail.com

or text 07821 754243

It is intended, at some later date, to celebrate a Requiem Mass in the Extraordinary Form.