Fr. Matthew Tylor died in the presence of his brethren, in the monastery infrmary, just before the 9 o'clock conventual Mass on Thursday 9 February. His passing was extremely gentle: he simply stopped breathing in his sleep.

Fr. Matthew entered Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight in 1960, and made his first profession there in 1962; so last year he celebrated 60 years of monastic vows.

He was ordained Priest in January 1973; so very recently he celebrated 50 years as a Priest.

He came up to Pluscarden in 2003, and established his stability here in 2005.

So the last 20 years of his life were given to our community; a blessing for which all who knew him here thank God.

His funeral will be at 11.00 a.m. on Friday 17th February. Bishop Hugh will preside at Mass, and Fr. Abbot will preach the homily.