Rev. Laurence J. Schlegel

The Rev. Laurence Joseph Schlegel, O.S.B., 94, a monk and priest of Saint Anselm Abbey, Manchester, NH, died Sunday morning, June 27, 2021, at Mount Carmel Nursing Home in Manchester, where he had been a patient for the past several years. He was the oldest member of his monastic community.

A native of Washington, DC, Father Laurence was born Aug. 4, 1926. He was graduated from Gonzaga Academy in the nation's capital, then attended Saint Mary Seminary, Baltimore, MD, transferring in 1948 to Saint Anselm. While at Saint Anselm, he was involved in Catholic Action, the Peace Club, the Debating Club and the Saint Thomas More Forum. He was avid walker in his youth, often taking hikes of 10 to 15 miles.

During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps National Guard unit in Washington.

He served as a Benedictine monk for more than 70 years and priest in the community at Saint Anselm College for more than 66 years.

A 1949 graduate of Saint Anselm College, he completed his novitiate at Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, PA, and professed vows of obedience, stability and "conversatio morum," a Latin phrase for a vow that includes simplicity of life and chastity, on Aug. 4, 1950. He was ordained to the Roman Catholic priesthood on Aug. 12, 1954.

In addition to service in the college, including the college library, Father Laurence worked in Massachusetts in the computer industry for a number of years with the permission of his monastic superiors.

He leaves several nephews in the Washington area.

SERVICES: The monastic community at Saint Anselm will receive Fr. Laurence's body at the abbey church Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Committal will follow at Saint Leander's Cemetery on the abbey grounds.

Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, Manchester is assisting with arrangements.