Abbot Xavier funeral set for Friday

         STILL RIVER – Right Rev. Xavier Connelly, O.S.B., second abbot of St. Benedict Abbey passed away peacefully April 8.
         Francis Xavier Connelly, the fourth of seven children, was born in Boston on Oct. 23, 1954. He grew up in Newton and Belmont. Entering religious life as Brother Xavier after high school, he completed his studies for the priesthood at Collegio di Sant’ Anselmo in Rome where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology in 1988 and then at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas where he earned his master’s degree in 1989. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1989 in St. Peter’s Basilica by Pope St. John Paul II. 
At the abbey, Father Xavier served as guestmaster and novice master, but his main work for many years was as prior to Abbot Gabriel Gibbs, O.S.B., the first abbot. In this capacity, especially as Abbot Gabriel’s health declined, Father Xavier “inherited” many of his responsibilities, the website notes. After Abbot Gabriel’s death on March 27, 2010, the community voted Father Xavier to be the Abbey’s second abbot on June 16, 2010. 
He served as abbot for almost 11 years until his resignation in March, when he was diagnosed with late stage ALS. Upon Abbot Xavier’s resignation, Prior Father James (Doran) was named temporary administrator.  
 In addition to his monastic family, Abbot Xavier is survived by his mother, Ann Connelly, his brothers, Admiral Thomas J. Connelly, USN (ret.) KM and wife, Darlene, their daughters, Julie and Marie and grandchildren, Arthur and Eleanor; his sister, Mary, her daughter, Kate (and Ken) Wade and their children, Emily and Thomas; his brother, Father Peter Connelly, O.S.B.; his sister, Joan (and Robert) Conway and their daughter, Anne; his brother-in-law, James Fitts and his daughters, Mary and Sarah; his sister, Bernardine (and Mark) Clark and their children, Teresa, Jack, Peter, and Antonia. Abbot Xavier is predeceased by his father, Thomas J. Connelly and his sister, Teresa Connelly Fitts.
 Calling hours will be held in the Abbey chapel located at 252 Still River Road in the Still River section of Harvard, s on Thursday, April 15, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please respect Covid prevention guidelines.
 Abbot Xavier’s funeral Mass will be offered in St. Cecilia Church, 170 Mechanic St. in Leominster, on Friday, April 16 at 1:30 p.m.
 Abbot Xavier was an enthusiastic supporter of monastic vocations. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Benedict Abbey, 252 Still River Road, P.O. Box 67, Still River, MA 01467 or online at www.abbey.org