Brother Benno Gräßer OSB

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Brother Benno (Gottfried Otto) Gräßer OSB, who died on 2 October 2024, at nearly 91 years of age. He passed away peacefully in the infirmary on the feast of the Guardian Angels, having remained active and curious until the end.

Born on 13 November 1933 in Greiz, Thuringia, Brother Benno experienced hardship early in life, with the loss of his father during World War II. He worked as a roofer before escaping from the GDR in 1956 and joining Münsterschwarzach Abbey. After entering the novitiate in 1957, he took St. Benno as his patron and made his solemn profession in 1961.

Throughout his monastic life, Brother Benno demonstrated remarkable versatility. He contributed to the monastery in many roles: butcher, cook, baker, mason, carpenter, and caretaker. He worked at the monastery’s agricultural estates in Kaltenhof and Krandorf and was often the night watchman. He was also deeply engaged in poetry, having written nearly 2,000 poems, some of which were published.

Brother Benno’s joyful spirit was a constant source of enrichment in the monastery, and his presence will be greatly missed. His life was a testament to unwavering faith, expressed in his own words: “So much to be thankful for…/ and it never ends.” A Eucharistic Mass will be celebrated in his honor on 7 October 2024, followed by his burial in the monastery cemetery.