Abbot Jerome Luke Rigby O.S.B.

God bless abbot Luke; may his soul rest in piece.G od bless his work at Priory. Tom Conley

We were saddened to hear of Abbot Luke"s death, but he is enjoying his rewards! We first met Abbot Luke when he approached Msgr. Slattery and the new parish board appointed to establish an archdiocesan parish in West County. Fr. Luke, at that time, offered the Priory school church as the location for the parish. Arrangements were worked out, and it was the beginning of our family's long relationship with Fr. Luke and the beginning of our spiritual enrichment and spiritual life associated...

On behalf of the entire Heck family, we extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of a wonderful man, Fr. Luke. Our Mom and Dad, Henry and Joyce, met Father Luke when St. Anselm parish was first formed, and our Dad worked closely with Father Luke during various building project for the Priory campus. Their warm affiliation with both the Priory and St. Anselm parish, but most especially Fr. Luke, was a source of great joy for both our parents. It was a joyful and blessed experience to...

I was a member of the class of 1964. We all owe Fr. Luke and his founding brothers eternal gratitude for their example, teaching and prayers. It was a blessing to have been touched by this great man.
Greg Huger, Bagram, Afghanistan

My remebrance of Fr. Luke is at a luncheon to which I had invited him in the early 1950's --at the original Tony's Restaurant which then had white and red table cloths -- to discuss the possibilities of my becoming a Benedictine monk.
I told him that my education was nothing like the other two persons seeking admittance -- one with a PHd in physics, viz., Paul Bryant; and the other with an MA in history, viz., John Brod Peters. Fr. Luke said, "Joe, we are not looking for all the...

To say that I got off to a slow start when I started at Priory in 1971 would be an understatement. I was very surprised, then, when the Prior, Father Luke, took me aside on a warm autumn day to tell me that I was not reaching my potential and needed to work harder. How did he even know who I was, much less how I was doing? We knew who he was, but as seventh graders, or first formers, did not have much contact with him.
The talk had an effect on me, but long after my Priory career...

My family and I were fortunate and blessed to have lived on the Proiry grounds. I grew up there and consider the entire Monastic community as family. Abbot Luke will always hold a special place in my heart.

The fourth degree of humility
is that he hold fast to patience with a silent mind
when in this obedience he meets with difficulties
and contradictions
and even any kind of injustice,
enduring all without growing weary or running away.
For the Scripture says,
"The one who perseveres to the end,
is the one who shall be saved" (Matt. 10:22);
and again
"Let your heart take courage, and wait for the Lord" (Ps. 26[27]:14)!

I am...

Fr. Luke was my spiritual director (a word he did not like) for 14 years. His wisdom and his love are woven in my priesthood as a priceless gift. He will always be part of me and I will always miss him.

The Rev. Virginia L. Bennett
St.Andrew's Episcopal Church
Edwardsville, Illinois