RIP Brother Gabriel: First SSPX Brother Passed Away in Econe Seminary

RIP Brother Gabriel

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of our dear SSPX Brother Gabriel. Severely affected by the coronavirus, he gave his soul to God on Friday, December 18, aged 79.

Member of the Society of Saint Pius X since December 8, 1973, he is the very first Brother of our congregation. He pronounced his first vows on December 22, 1974. He made his final vows on September 29, 1985.

Appointed to the Seminary of Econe, he lived his entire religious life there for more than 47 years. He used to work in the kitchen, first as a cook and then as an assistant cook. Very faithful to his duties, both religious and to the kitchen, he was an example for generations of seminarians. He became a legendary figure of Econe: priests in visit at Econe would always making sure to visit Br. Gabriel; we will deeply miss him.

Let us pray for the repose of his soul and ask him to intercede for us and to send many holy vocations of Brothers. 

Funeral

The body of Brother Gabriel will be exposed in the chapel of the crypt, Monday, December 21. The funeral will be held in the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in Econe, on Tuesday, December 22. His Excellency Bishop Tissier de Mallerais will celebrate the Pontifical Funeral Mass.

SSPX Brothers?

A Peaceful Life

The life of a brother is a simple life. It is a hidden life of joy and peace that flows from his daily duties, both spiritual and physical. Permeated by the spirit of prayer, the community day is punctuated by the three Divine Offices of Prime, Sext, and Compline. The morning meditation with Mass and evening Rosary make common prayer a focus for the day.

Spiritual Duties

In addition, the brother receives aid from personal spiritual duties performed throughout the day. Besides some spiritual reading and Scriptural study, the brother should love to recite the fifteen decades of the Rosary and foster a devotion to Christ’s Passion through the Stations of the Cross. Silence, which shelters the brother from earthly distraction, keeps him in communication with Our Lord within the walls of his cloister or room.

Physical Duties

The physical duties of the brother include many tasks. Using skills acquired from his formation, he will serve the priests in whatever task is needed by the community. Whether he is serving at the Altar, preparing the liturgical functions, cooking, or maintaining the house, the brother finds Christ in all realms. He may even cultivate a particular skill or trade, such as carpentry or artistry.

Throughout his generous and simple life, the brother is united with Christ on the cross through His Holy sacrifice and by the hands of His Priest.  His three religious vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience transform all his tasks, however minor they may be, into meritorious acts of religion which promote the salvation of his own soul and that of others, and aid the priests in their apostolate.

In the United States, SSPX Brothers receive their formation at Holy Angels Novitiate in Winona, MN.

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