Saint John Chrysostom has written, “He whom you love and lose is no longer where he was before; he is now where ever you are.” These words bring comfort and consolation at the time of the death of a loved one. They suggest that even in death the presence of a loved family member or friend can still be very real to us.

Father Henry Huber, O.S.B., 84 years old, the senior member of our community, died on September 8, 1992. Even though his death is some months passed, Father’s presence is still very much felt by those of us who lived with him for so many years. He is missed, and still loved.

My last personal memory of Father Henry is of a Sunday supper shared with him in the Abbey Care Center just two days before he was to be hospitalized for the last time. It was a Sunday in late August and Father Henry had not been present for vespers or supper in the monastic dinning room. This was not particularly unusual since Father often took his meals in the care center when he was not feeling well.

On this particular Sunday night Father Louis, Brother James, and I thought that Father Henry needed some extra company, so we fixed up four plates from the monastic dinning room and paid Father Henry a surprise visit. He was indeed surprised by our visit and vey pleased with the supper (turkey and all the trimmings) that we had brought.

We ate in the Care Center kitchen around a small table. Father Henry presided. He loved to talk, and he led the conversation around his favorite topics: politics, Scripture, sports and his current reading. On this particular evening he was talking about James Michener’s autobiographical book, “The World is My Home.” He had just finished reading some of Michener’s political philosophy, so he wanted to share that with us.

The supper was short; it was obvious that Father Henry was tired and not feeling “up to par.” After the meal and a little continued conversation, Father Henry thanked us for bringing him supper and then went back to his room. We did not know that that would be the last time we would eat with him and enjoy his company.

Father Henry set an example for all of us here at the abbey. He suffered from various illnesses and physical disabilities. He probably suffered more than wee knew. Yet despite the hardships he endured, his daily life was a reflection of the Gospel he so loved to preach. Father Henry lived the monastic life for 62 years; he brought to his vocation a perfection that some of us can only hope for. He is missed.