Fr. Thomas Berry, who died on June 1 at the age of 94, was buried on Monday, June 8, in a meadow on the grounds of Green Mountain Monastery near Greensboro, Vermont, which he co-founded, along with Srs. Gail Worcelo and Bernadette Bostwick.
Over 100 people attended. Services opened with a walking meditation through the fields of the “Thomas Berry Sanctuary,” an area on the monastery grounds dedicated to Berry’s memory.
A Eucharistic celebration and burial Mass followed in the monastery.
Musician Paul Winter opened the celebration with a saxophone solo, leading participants into a state of presence and contemplation. Passionist Fr Steve Dunn officiated at the liturgy and a eulogy was given by Thomas Berry’s niece, Ann Berry Somers. A recording of Thomas Berry speaking about “Good Companions on the Way” was also played.
For an account of the burial service in Vermont and one of the funeral service held on June 3 in Greensboro, N.C.
