Submitted by Theresa Marie Mancuso, Jul 6, 2007 14:22

I am writing to express my chagrin at the inadequacy of author Stephen Miller's obituary for Father Laurence Gabriel Mancuso, my brother and spiritual father. For seven years I was a nun at New Skete and during that time I witnessed first hand the great spirituality of the man I called "Gabie" growing up. He taught me a great deal and today, as a lay woman working with New York City probationers, I continue to implement his teachings in my daily life. It is with sorrow that I read the obituary. Father Laurence was a humble man, but strong; he was a profound man, but witty; he accomplished much in his efforts on behalf of faith, spirituality, and the Church through writing, directing liturgical prayer, translations, setting traditional Eastern Orthodox music specifically to fit the voice ability of the monks and nuns who would sing it; he was a man of great passion for truth, justice AND REALITY. People loved him or fled from him depending on their own spiritual insight and courage. He did not re-wrap reality to make it palatable or easy to digest; nor did he "sugarcoat" the legitimate challenges of spiritual living. Whatever has been attained at New Skete came from his sweat, blood, and tears. He loved his monks as his own sons and welcomed the Poor Clare Nuns from Indiana when they joined to form the Sisters of St. Clare,later called Nuns of New Skete. His care of souls went far beyond the confines of our monastic setting. To diminish the greatness of his life by making of his obituary an advertisement for New Skete Farms is to do a great disservice to the man and his God. Perhaps if the newspaper had sought out a more adequate description of his life and times, his work and person, Mr. Miller might have been able to compose an obituary worthy of Father Laurence. Instead, it slushes with "commercialeze". Yes, Father Laurence loved the dogs, approved the growth and development of means of livelihood, delighted in the talents of the community members --- but in his departure from this world, his own community has failed to represent him as he truly was. For this diminishment of his life, I am obliged in conscience to object with all my heart. Abba, Father Laurence, Gabie --- brother, spiritual father, challenger of my own littleness, my own frailty --- THANK YOU. GOD REST YOUR GREAT AMONG THE SOULS OF THE JUST.

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