“The U.K. Oblate community held its annual retreat in Turvey in October, just 2 weeks after Brother Herbert passed. We missed his physical presence, a presence that was illumined by a gracious smile, a stillness and loving warmth that came from a place of deep humility. And you waited. You waited for a word or comment that would make a difference to your own journeying, a wisdom reflection that would stay with you long after he left, as he slowly made his way back to the monastery, Father John quietly keeping in step behind him.
At the dinner table, we were blessed by Ben Bowmaker’s memories. Ben had spent time living at the monastery and gave us some beautiful images of Brother Herbert. It seemed fitting that Ben made his final Oblation at our weekend retreat. So we all came away with a sense of continuity, of connection, knowing that the life of Brother Herbert living on in each one of us.”