William Patrick Flaherty

(Bro. Francis)  Ava, Missouri

Bro. Francis (William Patrick Flaherty) entered into his Eternal Rest at Mercy Hospital in Springfield on Saturday evening, Dec.10, 2022.

He was born on December 15, 1940 in New York, the youngest of three children.  He attended schools taught by Augustinian Friars and entered that Religious Order in later years.  Bro. Francis was a novice in California and made final vows there. He did library work and taught in a coed high school.

He transferred to the Trappist Monastery in Vina, California, where he added retreat conferences and orchard work to his other services.  Bro. Francis made solemn profession there on Christmas Eve in 1966.

In 2003, he came to Assumption Abbey at Ava as a guest helper.  In June, 2008 Bro. Francis changed Stability to this monastery.  Here he was Vocation Director along with his other work. He helped to administer a Family Brother program and continued having conferences with small groups.

He persevered as a faithful monk (and a loyal fan of the Rams).  Bro. Francis is survived by his brother monks and many friends.  He was the last surviving member of his family.

The funeral Mass will be held at Assumption Abbey, Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 10:00 am with Bishop Edward Rice presiding. So…he will complete his own Advent journey on his 82nd birthday. Arrangements are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO.