Bishop Peter J. Elliott

Yesterday, on the Feast of the Transfiguration, I learned of the death of Bishop Peter Elliott. His Excellency was the author of any number of liturgical books. I consider myself privileged to have collaborated with him on his book, Ceremonies Explained for Servers.

In addition, His Excellency wrote the foreword to my book on altar serving, The Altar Server Manual.

I always found him to be orthodox and very particular in terms of the liturgy. He was absolutely a “do the red and say the black” man, but he also was unafraid to incorporate into the modern liturgy all the wealth of custom and tradition of the Roman Rite.

He was, in short, a man very much after my own heart.

I found him to be a charming and generous collaborator, though he was uncompromising in his dedication to the sanctity and reverence of the sacred liturgy.

We could certainly use more bishops, indeed, more priests like him. I will miss him greatly. 

In your mercy, please pray for his soul.

Requiem æternam dona eis, Domine
Et lux perpetua luceat eis:

Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord
And let perpetual light shine upon him.