Requiescat in pace + December 13, 2023: Father Lawrence Allen Glaser was born in 1931 in Cincinnati, Ohio (USA). He entered the Abbey of Gethsemani in 1950, made his solemn profession in 1955 and was ordained a priest in 1958. He transferred to Mepkin Abbey in 1954 and then to Vina in 1970 where he made his new stability. Father was 92 years old, had been in monastic vows for 71 years and 65 years a priest when the Lord called him.
Father Lawrence will be remembered best as the monastery’s tailor for most of his working years. He was a master at tailoring, sewing robes, scapulars, cowls, as well as aprons, dishtowels, napkins, and patching our work clothes to keep them in service for many years. For a brief time, he served as guest master. He helped out on occasion as a cook and in the laundry.
In his last years Father suffered from dementia and for the last five years was largely confined to bed and/or a wheelchair. This required round the clock care provided by a generous care team of some 10 monks and lay staff. He accepted these limitations cheerfully expressed in his beautiful, cherubic, smile that would light up when someone came to help him. He will be remembered for his mischievous sense of humor which caught many an unsuspecting visitor off guard and always ended with a good laugh.
“Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord! May your Perpetual Light shine upon him, and may he Rest in Peace. Amen!”
