A Word of Condolence
on the Death of Abbot Parker

Given by Brother Alcuin Weeden
of Sayn Abbey, Rhineland, Germany
 
There are many who say the Age of Miracles is passed
That the Great and Good of this world are far away
That we must make do, get along and compromise
with all sorts of unsavoury thoughts, acts and deeds.
 
We know that this is not so. 
We have proof. 
Look around.
 
Here is a miracle, a thriving house of the Lord
Founded and lead by a man ridiculed by Nazis,
Persecuted by Russians, Rejected in his own land,
And who led a band of seven across a third of the
world to make this modern Miracle: this thriving Abbey.
 
Here is a great and good man, if people could only
recognise these qualities in those next to them. 
He inspired many with his words and deeds,
who stood next to us and supported us through fat years and lean
who always had a smile for us and our hopes and dreams.
 
He had a vision: that we see a great light out of
the darkness in this world we live in.  That great
light was the procession of white habits flowing
from this House to enlighten this dark world,
a bright reflection of the old house of Csorna – eventually
to refound it and give it a shining new dawn of its own.
 
We will miss him.  But we should always remember
that he will ever be with us, right next to us
encouraging, supporting and available to us through
our prayers and memories.  He remains our friend,
and we will see him again.  He will be there to greet
each of us as we complete this same journey. 
+ + + 
From Alcuin, one who was inspired in 1961