Fr. Andrew Britz, OSBMarch 12, 1940 - February 14, 2012
Fr. Andrew M. Britz, 71, of St. Peter's Abbey, Muenster, SK, died suddenly and unexpectedly of a massive heart attack Tuesday morning, February 14, 2012, at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon. He had suffered from Parkinson's Disease for a decade previous to his death and was limited in mobility to a powerchair then a wheelchair the last two years of his life. Murray Britz was born in Lake Lenore March 12, 1940 to Anton and Frances (nee Gerwing) Britz. Murray took his schooling in Lake Lenore and went to St. Peter's College for Gr. 12 and first year arts. He joined the monastic community of St. Peter's Abbey in 1959, taking the name of Andrew. He studied philosophy and theology at St. John's Abbey, Collegeville, Minn., and was ordained priest June 10, 1966. Fr. Andrew became a chaplain and teacher and then principal of St. Peter's College, until the high school closed in 1972. He pursued doctoral studies in Toronto for two years after 1972. He used his manual talents in renovating Michael Hall and Severin Hall, the college library and supervising the building of the abbey church in 1989. He also served as a pastor in Humboldt, St. Benedict, Englefeld, Naicam, Annaheim and Lake Lenore. He served as editor of the Prairie Messenger for 21 years, from 1983 to 2004. He had a great passion and love for the faith and entered into the renewal of the Second Vatican Council, especially the liturgy, with zeal. He leaves to mourn him his monastic community of St. Peter's Abbey; his two sisters: Helen (Bill) Krynowsky and Karen (Wayne) Schreiner, both of Saskatoon; two nephews and two nieces; and 10 grandnephews and nieces. The Prayer Service for Fr. Andrew was held on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at 7:30 p.m., led by Prior Rudolph Novecosky, OSB. The Funeral Mass was offered on Friday, February 17, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by Abbot Peter Novecosky, OSB. Interment followed at St. Peter's Abbey Cemetery, Muenster. Memorial donations may be directed to the Abbey Elder Care Fund, Muenster. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
