Frère Bertrand Lefebvre, Monk and Deacon of Fleury Abbey, fell asleep in the Lord on 13 August 2018. He was 89 years old, having lived out his religious profession for 59 years and life in the diaconate for 53 years. He was born on 7 November 1928 in a large family coming from northern France, where he received a solid Christian education. Following this study, he worked professionally in the textile industry. After experiencing a health crisis and a period of recuperation in solitude, he heard the call of our Lord and entered the monastery in 1958.
With simplicity and a vibrant faith, Frère Bertrand gave himself over completely to prayer and work, as Procurator, Cellarer, and Secretary, and also working in the abbey kitchen, sacristy and other locations. He was passionate about history and the architecture of the monastery basilica.
Frère Bertrand passed away immediately after chanting the office of None with the community. May our Lord welcome him to the heavenly Jerusalem, which he contemplated so often in the abbey basilica! The funeral Mass took place on 17 August 2018 in the Basilica of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire. We commend him to the prayers of the Benedictine Confederation.