25/07/2026
We heard with sorrow the news yesterday (24th July) of the death of our Abbot General Emeritus, Thomas Anton Handgrätinger O.Praem., who died at his abbey in Windberg (Bavaria, Germany). Born in Ulm on March 4th 1943, he entered Windberg Abbey in 1963 and was ordained a priest on June 29th 1969. In 1976, the Windberg community chose him as prior, and subsequently as abbot in 1994. He was elected Abbot General of our Order by the General Chapter on September 30th 2003, a role he held until 2018. He will be remembered for leading the order with paternal care and deep devotion. His death followed a long illness which he faced bravely and always with a smile. He was a joyful and prayerful man, and particularly encouraged young vocations to the Order (including Fr Stephen and Fr Pius, who lived with him in Rome while they studied there, during his tenure as Abbot General). Fifteen years ago, he visited our canonry when we were in Chelmsford (pictured), during which he was also shown the shrine of St Edward the Confessor in Westminster, given a tour of the houses of Parliament (he particularly enjoyed standing at the dispatch box in the Commons!), and toured the house and remains of our former abbey of Beeleigh (Maldon, Essex).
Please pray for the repose of his dear soul.
Requiescas in Pace, Amplissime Domine Praemonstratensis!