It is with great sadness that we formally record here the death of one of our neighbours and friends Dom Francis OSB. He was an integral part of the small Benedictine community living next to Sarum College at 19A The Close.
Francis was a man of deep faith. His heart was large, and his humour and sense of fun legendary. He loved his brothers, the people in Sarum College and the wider community of faith.
As a proud Scotsman from working class roots, people were drawn into his heartfulness, common sense and very lively sense of humour. He captured our hearts and animated any space with his presence and wonderful tales of the community. He had a loving heart and many of us received notes and letters of encouragement in good and difficult times.
He was a gifted preacher who was never constrained by the pulpit. He named the incredulous, made us laugh and always pointed us back to the Love of God, Jesus our Rescuer and the wild movement of the Holy Spirit that can never be contained. He had a special devotion to Our Lady and the communion of Saints.
We loved Francis and he loved us. We pray for Prior Simon, and we thank God for all that Dom Francis was and all that he gave. We pray that he will rest in peace and rise in glory.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
Written by The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward