We mourn the death and celebrate the life of Brother Chrysostom Castel, who died on Sept. 6. Remembered for his patience, reliability, generosity and lovely singing voice, Br. Chrysostom was a professed monk at Gethsemani for 58 years.

At 83, Br. Chrysostom was very active and seemingly healthy for his age. His illness and death came unexpectedly. Diagnosed with cancer in August this year, he died within a few weeks. The community buried him on Sept. 8, Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Born in New Orleans on June 6, 1938, Br. Chrysostom sang and played accordion most of his life. He initially considered a career in music, but when he heard monastic chant for the first time – in a radio commercial – his vocation became clear. He entered the Abbey of Gethsemani on Jan. 10, 1961, made his simple profession two years later, and was solemnly professed on Oct. 27, 1968.

Br. Chrysostom had a unique and lovely singing voice; he served as cantor, soloist and intoner right up to his final illness. He was remarkable for his stalwart attendance at choir, going years at a time without missing a single hour.

Although he had strong opinions in some areas, he was humble, kind, patient and generous with his time. He was the monastery’s electrician for many years and managed the community’s computers.

Devoted to the writings of modern mystic Maria Valtorta, Br. Chrysostom maintained a website dedicated to her. He learned Italian specifically to be able to read her in the original and to translate her works into English. He also knew French and Latin: Aelred of Rievaulx’s sermons, in Latin, were his bedside reading. He was very interested in liturgy and had articles published in the journal “Liturgy,” which was edited and published by Gethsemani’s Fr. Chrysogonus Waddell. He also took great care each year to plan and prepare the fire for our Paschal Vigil.

In many ways, Br. Chrysostom was an ideal monk: faithful, humble, kind, patient and possessing a good sense of humor. He valued community and spent his life in service to the brethren. We have good reason to hope that he is in the company of our Lord right now, but we still mourn his leaving us. He is missed.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.