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Fr Joseph (Anselm) Abbley, O.Carm RIP


The following sad news was sent to us by the Carmelites today. Fr Joseph (Anselm) Abbley, O.Carm - RIP 13th September 1930 - 3rd December 2004 It is with sadness but trusting in the tender mercy of God that we announce the death today of Fr Joe Abbley - Carmelite Friar. Joe was born in London on 13th September 1930. The son of a railway engineer he completed his apprenticeship and qualified as an engineer himself. After national service he went to St. Mary's College, Aberystwyth which was then a centre for "late vocations". Whilst there he made the decision to enter the Carmelite Order taking the religious name Anselm. He made his first profession on 8th September 1966. Joe completed his studies in Ireland and was ordained priest at The Friars, Aylesford on 18th July 1971. He served in a number of communities at Tadcaster, Aylesford and Allington Castle and in a variety of ministries. For many years he was spiritual director to the Carmelite Third Order - not a driver he travelled the length and breadth of Britain by bus in all weathers visiting and supporting local groups. Whilst his knowledge of bus timetables was legendary in winter he often arrived home frozen to the bone. For many years he led the regular monthly All Night Vigils in Aylesford and always prepared his material with great care. He was very much in demand as a retreat director. He was noted for his care of the sick. In 1990 Joe took on the chaplaincy of an old peoples home in Dawlish and, when that closed in 2001 he moved as chaplain to Lakenham Nursing Home. Joe always had a strong independent streak and even though his own health began to deteriorate from summer 2004 he continued to care for the residents as best he could until only a couple of weeks before his death. May he rest in peace. Funeral details will be announced on: www.carmelite.org/obit/jaa.htm

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