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Abbot Jerome Luke Rigby O.S.B.

Jerome Rigby Obituary

Rigby, Abbot Jerome Luke, 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. Services: The body will be received at Saint Louis Abbey, 500 S. Mason Rd., Creve Coeur at 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 23. An allnight 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. KRIEGSHAUSER BROTHERS www.k-brothers.com
Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch from Mar. 19 to Mar. 23, 2012.

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tom conley sr

March 26, 2012

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

Marge Aylward

March 25, 2012

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 with the monastery.

Abbot Luke's gentleness, kindness, spirituality and wisdom were and inspiration to all. The advancement of the school, monastery and parish reflect his and others initial dedication and hard work. He will be remembered always! Ron and Marge Aylward and family

Mary Wohlschlaeger

March 24, 2012

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 have him officiate at Mary's wedding, and her family was always welcomed home by Father Luke, who was a great favorite of her children.

His wise counsel was sincerely appreciated by our family members. We know his warm and wise presence will be greatly missed by his many, many friends, but we know heaven will be the richer for his arrival! We thank God for sending such a saintly and beloved role model.

The Heck Family: Mary Wohlschlaeger, Henry Heck, Paul Heck, Robert Heck, Nancy Cortner, and Judy Weber

Greg Huger

March 23, 2012

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

Joe Hanon

March 22, 2012

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 learning, but for goodness and holiness."

And these were the virtues that exemplified the life of Fr. Luke.
His memory will be with me forever. And may he RIP.

Charles Hardy

March 22, 2012

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 ended I can remember the care and concern for each and every student that characterizes the school in general, and characterized Father Luke in particular.
We will remember his life and example long after the sadness of his passing has gone. His illness is behind him now, and no doubt he is again socializing with those who have gone before.
Farewell, Father Luke.

Vicki (aka Sugar) Schepers (aka Dattilo)

March 21, 2012

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.

Jeff Barteau '77

March 20, 2012

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 unable to embellish upon St. Benedict's own words, which seem to have been written specifically to describe Fr. Luke.

March 20, 2012

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

Bob & Deb Heck

March 19, 2012

We went to Fr. Luke for a bit of advice on "messaging" to our families in advance of our marriage. His wisdom was quite welcome and VERY astute. We will always be grateful.

March 19, 2012

Though we weren't paid very much, Fr. Luke taught us(John Broderick) a great deal about honest labor......Dick Wessel class of '64

March 19, 2012

Some folks taught me how to study, Fr. Luke taught me to work.....both elements of success.
John Broderick '64 (Ludington, Michigan)

The Abbey Church: Built, in large measure, through the tenacity and perseverence of Abbot Luke

Priory Alumnus

March 19, 2012

Deacon Tom Mulvihill '80

March 19, 2012

The impact of Abbot Luke can be felt on the Priory campus in ways both profound and subtle. Nowhere more so than in the spirit of the Monastic Community, which he helped to found, and in the students. Nearly every early Alumnus of the School can tell you some pivotal way in which Abbot Luke touched his life. A Marriage ceremony, a Baptism, a Funeral. Visiting a loved one bedside or just lending his ear when you needed to chat for a moment. What a remarkable blessing he was to us all. "May peace be yours this day, and may your home be in heaven."

Chris Kerckhoff, '68

March 19, 2012

What a blessed gift Abbot Luke was to all of us who were privileged to be touched by his wisdom and love. His life was an inspiring example of how to follow and serve our Lord. What a great legacy!

Jerome Dalton, Jr.

March 19, 2012

I loved Father Luke. He was such a kind
person, so humble, and so friendly. He was everything to all of us, at Priory, and of the Abbey.
I will pray to him. Laus Tibi Domine.
Jerome (Jerry) Dalton, Jr. , Priory
' 68

Bob Barlow

March 19, 2012

I was a part of the Class of 1962. Fr. Luke was a beloved person who treated all with respect and dignity. I feel sure that his spirit will always be at Priory where he was so instrumental in it's foundation.

Wayne Beugg'66

March 19, 2012

How blessed we have been to have had such a humble man lead us all. Laus Tibi Domine!

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