Fr. Francis John Sander's Obituary
Father Francis John Sander, O.S.B., monk of Saint Joseph Abbey in Saint Benedict, Louisiana, died at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond on Sunday morning, September 28, 2008. He was 85 years old.
Son of the late Edward M. Sander and Mary F. Tabony, Father Francis was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 27, 1923. He made his profession as a Benedictine monk of Saint Joseph Abbey on August 25, 1944 and was ordained as a priest on June 7, 1949.
Fr. Francis in survived by his nephew Oceola Probst, his niece Elaine Castelen, and great nephews Rusty Probst and Randy Probst. Preceded in death by his brother, Edward Sander and his sisters, Elaine Sander and Adelaide Probst both of New Orleans.
He served as Pastor at Saint Peter Catholic Church in Covington (1969-1972) and at Saint Jane de Chantal in Abita Springs (1972-1994). Upon his retirement to the abbey, he ministered to those who came to him for counseling and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He was assigned Chaplain to Mary Queen Monastery in Tickfaw in May 2003, serving the Benedictine sisters there until his death.
Father Francis's body will be received on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 5:30 P.M. at Saint Joseph Abbey followed by the singing of Vespers. Later that evening at 7:15 P.M. a Funeral Vigil will be held in the Abbey Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 3, 2008, at 11:15 A.M., at Saint Joseph Abbey followed by burial in the Abbey Cemetery.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home Inc., 2260 W. 21st. Ave., Covington, LA 70433 entrusted with the arrangements.
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