Obituary of Sister Benedict Kesock

Sister Benedict Kesock, O.S.B. died on February 21, 2014. Born in Masontown, PA on May 22, 1933, Sister Benedict became a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia at Saint Benedict Monastery in Bristow in 1954. She taught in several Catholic parish schools in the Richmond Diocese and at Linton Hall School in Bristow. In 1973, she was assigned to Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Arlington, where she served for 40 years, becoming principal of the school in 1976. Her strength and compassion ensured that there was room in her heart for every child who entered St Charles School. When she retired as principal in 2008, she continued to minister in the parish in pastoral outreach to the sick and infirm. Her leadership and spirit have been recognized widely and she was invited by Congressman Moran to give the opening prayer at the House of Representatives (2003) as only the second woman religious (Mother Teresa being the first) to do so. In his remarks Congressman Moran said that Sister Benedict helped build a community of faith in Northern Virginia and that she was an example of why this country runs so well. Sister Benedict is survived by several nieces and nephews and the 32 members of her Benedictine community. You are invited to join St. Charles School and parish to celebrate her life at a Memorial Mass on Tuesday, March 4 at 10:30 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Arlington. Reception to follow. Donations in her memory may be made to Saint Benedict Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Rd, Bristow, Virginia 20136.