The British Province of Carmelite Friars The British Province of Carmelite Friars
Brother Benedict Reney R.I.P. - 2nd July 2008
It is with sadness but trusting in the tender mercy of God that the British Province of Carmelites announces the death of our brother Ben after a long illness.
Patrick Reney was born 26th December 1920 in Galway. His father was a boat-builder making the famous Galway "Hooker". Whilst his elder brother joined his father in the family business Patrick moved to England to find work. Friends brought him to Aylesford Priory where the work of restoration was underway. He heard Fr. Malachy Lynch preach and in 1956 he joined the community as a novice with his wood-working skills being put to good use. Taking the religious name Benedict, he made first profession of vows in 1958 and Solemn Vows in 1961.
In 1972 the Carmelites accepted the invitation of the Bishop of Leeds to form a community at Hazlewood Castle in North Yorkshire. Ben moved as a part of the founding community. Here again his practical skills were in demand. As time went by Ben made tours of the Castle his special care and ministry and this became a point of contact with people of every faith and none. His gentle way and easy humour won him many friends.
In 1995 Ben moved with the community to More House in York when the Order undertook the care of the university chaplaincy. Already in his 70s he would happily join in impromptu football games with the students in the chaplaincy garden. Having "retired" he turned to study at night school and gained A-Levels in Maths, History and Art.
As his health began to fail Ben moved to the Carmelite community in East Finchley in North London. Though his short-term memory wasn't always good he never lost contact with the poetry and songs of his childhood and his deep sense of prayer. As his strength slowly ebbed he grew to a deep sense of gratitude to God and to the community caring for him and would want to share that - though life hadn't always been easy - he had "no regrets".
Ben died peacefully at home with his brothers around him. In truth we shall not see his like again!
The funeral rites will take place at Aylesford Priory
Reception of remains: Tuesday 8th July at 6.30pm
Requiem Mass: Wednesday 9th July at 3.00pm followed by burial in the province cemetary
His story can be seen on the Carmelite website at:
http://www.carmelite.org/vocation/br.htm
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