Brother Philip (Hugh Francis) Friel, monk of St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts died at Memorial Hospital on June 15, 2005. Brother Philip was born on May 8, 1821 in Boston, Massachusetts. He entered the monastery of Our Lady of the Valley in Cumberland, Rhode Island on July 9, 1942 and made his monastic commitment on January 14, 1945. Shortly after the disastrous fire which destroyed the monastery on July 21, 1950 he played an important role in the transferal of the abbey's goods to its new home at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. In subsequent years he was active in the upkeep of the monastery's buildings. Much devoted to the study of the writings of St,. Augustine, Br. Philip was among the most loved and admired brothers of the monastery.
The funeral will be held at St. Joseph's Abbey, 167 North Spencer Road, Spencer, Massachusetts on June 20 at 2:00 PM.