Remembering Danella Blanchard

To all of our Oblate community & friends during this time of grief over the death of Danella our Oblate, we will miss her exuberant presence of faith and enthusiasm for the Monastery of the Risen Christ. I had know her for many years from the time when I was a resident monk at New Camaldoli Hermitage and had many conversations with her over the years. Danella’s positive and compassionate concern for shut-ins and the marginal people she would minister to was moving in her Christ-like motivations. She also, being a thespian and teacher of the art of acting displayed her considerable appreciation of that artistic media as a way to bring comedy and enjoyment to audiences will no doubt be missed. She enjoyed teaching her craft very much. Danella’s presence brought light and spirit and joy I recall to our monastic community and Oblate gatherings. Her love of sacred scripture and constant reflection on Jesus’ presence in his living word strengthened and expanded the ‘living room of her heart spirit’, a place of compassion and hospitality many discovered in her presence to them. I believe she gave a great witness to Camaldolese Oblate spirituality and practice that affirmed Oblate and us monks alike.

May she rest and be rejoiced in the place prepared for those who lovingly serve the Savior Emmanuel.

Fraternally,

Prior Daniel

Monastery of the Risen Christ