Published March 8, 2007

Stroke Claims Life of Saint Gregory Monk

SHAWNEE — Brother Matthew Thomas Bach, O.S.B., a monk of Saint Gregory’s Abbey, died suddenly from a stroke on Feb. 16. He was 63 years old.

Brother Matthew was born Feb. 18, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Dr. Earl and Claire Werle Bach. He was given the name Thomas. He said he was a great-great-great-great-great-great-grandson of Johann Sebastian Bach.

He was received as an internal oblate May 3, 1961, at Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City, Colo., where he served many years doing custodial work. On Aug. 15, 1980, he made    simple perpetual vows. Later, when the opportunity was provided to brothers, he made Solemn Vows. One of his proud moments at Holy Cross Abbey was Sept. 20, 1989, when he received his high school diploma at the high school operated by Holy Cross.

It was a sad moment for Brother Matthew when Holy Cross Abbey was not able to continue. It closed its doors in 2004 and the remaining monks sought transfer to a number of other monasteries. Brother Matthew and his great friend, Brother David Downey, came to Saint Gregory’s Abbey and promised their stability here on Sept. 3, 2004.

At Saint Gregory’s, Brother Matthew found many ways to be of service. He helped with the riders and the horses at the Charham Therapeutic Arena. He assisted in the business office and relieved caregivers in the health service of the abbey. He said recently that he really appreciated the experience of community in the abbey and at Saint Gregory’s University.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother, Lorraine Bach.

Brother Matthew is survived by the members of the monastic community of Saint Gregory’s Abbey and the former members of Holy Cross Abbey; sister and brother-in-law, Robert and Judy Allan of Thornton, Colo.; brother, John Bach of Denver; sister and brother-in-law, Christine and Gary Robertson of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Vigils of the Office of the Dead for Brother Matthew were celebrated Feb. 19 in the Saint Gregory’s Abbey Church in Shawnee. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Feb. 20, in the Abbey Church with Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, O.S.B., as the principal celebrant; burial followed in the Saint Gregory’s Abbey Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the fund for the care of the infirm at Saint Gregory’s Abbey, 1900 W. MacArthur Drive, Shawnee, OK 74804.