
Our faithful chaplain, Father Robert Dwyer, entered into eternal life early this morning. He was on his way to pray in our chapel at 6:00 a.m., as was his custom, and fell next to the driveway. When Sr. Donald found him, at 6:25, he was trying to sit up, was saying, “Help,” but otherwise couldn’t speak. By the time the ambulance arrived, 15 minutes later, there was no heartbeat. The EMTs gave him CPR for what seemed like a long time and were ready to give up, when they detected a faint pulse, and so decided to keep trying and take him to the hospital. He died shortly thereafter, or perhaps on the way. We weren’t given any further information because we weren’t family.
We feel extraordinarily privileged to have had Fr. Dwyer as our chaplain for the past 10 years. Thanks to his presence, we have been blessed to have had daily Mass, the grace of which we have felt even more strongly since March, when so many have been denied the Eucharist because of COVID. Father was devoted not only to us, but to the wider community of Windsor and nearby towns where there is no parish priest. Although retired and in his 80’s, he often said Sunday Mass in three different parishes, in addition to the Saturday night Vigil Mass of Sunday at the monastery. He was always available for visiting the sick and funerals. His ministry was nourished by a deep life of prayer. Twice a day, he would spend an hour praying in our chapel, reading his breviary in silence or out loud, and often walking up and down and praying in tongues.
Yesterday, Father was out visiting people in his car and digging in his garden. Although we are glad he didn’t suffer, his departure is a huge loss for all of us.


We have all lost a charming and devoted priest. My heart goes out to you Sisters at the loss for you and the local community. He always greeted me with warmth and concern
May God rest his soul. I am deeply sorry for your loss, Sisters. I am grateful I had a chance to meet with him while I was there. God bless you all in this time of mourning.
Peace and all good, Elena
On Tue, Oct 6, 2020 at 4:18 PM Transfiguration Monastery News wrote:
> frohdog posted: ” Our faithful chaplain, Father Robert Dwyer, entered into > eternal life early this morning. He was on his way to pray in our chapel at > 6:00 a.m., as was his custom, and fell next to the driveway. When Sr. > Donald found him, at 6:25, he was trying to sit up,” >
>
Oh, Sisters, may he Rest In Peace. How sad, but what a beautiful death.
I am so grateful for him. He heard my confession, and at his Mass on the feast of Marianne Cope I learned of this great woman.
Prayer and fond regards,
Julie
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On Tue, Oct 6, 2020 at 4:19 PM Transfiguration Monastery News wrote:
> frohdog posted: ” Our faithful chaplain, Father Robert Dwyer, entered into > eternal life early this morning. He was on his way to pray in our chapel at > 6:00 a.m., as was his custom, and fell next to the driveway. When Sr. > Donald found him, at 6:25, he was trying to sit up,” >
(I didn’t mean to have all that personal info at the bottom of my comment… — Julie)
So sorry Sisters. I know this is a huge loss for you. I pray for his reward with God but also that God will provide for your spiritual needs in replacing him. Jo
>
Oh, my dear friend and sister in Christ,
I am so sorry to hear that you have all suffered what must have been a terrible shock this morning; what a huge loss to the Community, as well as the local community, too. What you have written is beautiful and gives me a good sense of who he was. I imagine that his presence will be missed terribly, beside the many complications that his absence will mean for you all and the local Church as a whole.
In these days of pandemic, when death in all its ways is so much with us, I am glad that he did not suffer. At the same time, when receiving the Eucharist is so rare, I am sad for the special way that you and the other Sisters will suffer without that daily nourishment and thanksgiving.
Please know that Fr. Dwyer and all the Transfiguration Sisters will be foremost in our prayer in these days.
In Love and blessing,
Helen SLG
Oh Sisters. I’m so sorry Father Dwyer isn’t with us any longer. He was a beautiful light and I’m sure he’ll shine down from heaven. He is a great loss. My condolences to you and I know you’ll miss him terribly. Peace
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My deepest sympathies, Sisters. He was a gentle soul and will be another saint to receive our prayers. “We weren’t family:” what sad words! Indeed you were all family and so blessed to be together. Love & prayers, Rosalie.
We are so sorry to hear this! He is rejoicing now in eternity with Jesus and will be forever in paradise!
Rest in great peace, Father 🙏🏻
Our children, Bọla and I met Father Dwyer (at different times especially during Mass, and prayer at the Transfiguration Monastery) during his pilgrimage here on earth. During the Monastery’s last Book Sale, he chatted with our children and I remember that he came gently and quietly to me, tapped my shoulder. We bonded and exchanged banters and pleasantries. That is who Father Dwyer is-a friend and family of the friends and family of Christ our Lord. Fr. Dwyer. Fr. Dwyer’s friendship with the Transfiguration Monastery is an instruction in faith in Christ and in the building of the People of God and Christ Kingdom. Bọla and I are sorry to receive this news of the departure of our friend and family member-Fr. Dwyer. But we take heart that Fr. Dwyer has joined the Church Triumphant in heaven. Let those of us pilgrims here on earth continue to build the legacy of Fr. Dwyer in the pilgrim Church here on earth. We will pray in our family prayers for Fr. Dwyer, all those he left behind, the Sisters of his Church family in the Transfiguration Monastery, the Church and those of us who will dearly miss him May the soul of Fr. Dwyer rest in peace profound.-Bọla and Ade
Dear Sisters,
I am so sorry about the loss of Fr. Dwyer. What a shock! He, of course, is with the Lord in glory, but his death leaves an enormous void in the whole Transfiguration community — Sisters, Oblates and friends.
Please know that I’m praying with and for you in this time.
Blessings,
Celia
Dear Sisters,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your chaplain. Being home bound I know what the loss of physical Eucharist is. I pray you find a new chaplain who will not “replace” the personality and charism of Fr. Dwyer, but will be one who provides you all with a new source of spiritual sustenance.
Condolences,
June D
So sorry to hear of Father Dwyer’s passing. But you provided a comforting retreat for his last years, I’m sure.
Katherine
Dear Sisters,
How appropriate that Fr. Dwyer spent his last day working in the garden. He was a quiet planter of many seeds. Your loss is great and I share your sorrow. May he rest in peace.
Kathy Chizak
Very sorry for your loss. I remember meeting him once, and his ironic, gentle reminder that the city to which I was returning, New York, was not the center of the universe. I referred to it as “the City”, and he w a slightly raised eyebrow, questioned me “the City?”–wish there had been more time to converse. Joan Binzen
Dear Sisters,
As we experience the physical absence of Father Dwyer, may we also rejoice in
the realization that he is still with us, as are all those who have gone before us.
The absence of the body does not separate us; the presence of the spirit joins us.
Thanks be to God!
Peace to all.
Eileen Keating
Dear Sisters,
I am sorry to hear about Fr. Dwyer’s passing. Wishing each of you peace and comfort during this difficult time. I am grateful for the time Father gave me when I was there recently.
Rani
Dear Sisters,
Prayers for the grace of God to comfort you and all beloved who mourn for Father Robert Dwyer. Prayers continue in loving memory of Father Robert Dwyer, with thanksgiving for the blessings of his constant dedicated prayers and gentle, quiet ways of care – always being there, a kindest friend, beloved Chaplain of Transfiguration Monastery.
Peace to all,
cathy rossman