Fr Charles Macauley, a monk of Ampleforth Abbey who retired from his last post as parish priest only two months ago, has died at the age of 76.

Fr Charles had been parish priest of St John, Easingwold, since 1996 but had to step down from that role due to ill health and further medical investigations discovered cancer of the lung. ‘The Lord has sent my one-way ticket to heaven’, Fr Charles told the Abbot of Ampleforth some days before his death, ‘and I am ready to go’. He died peacefully in the Monastery Infirmary on Tuesday 17th June 2008 at 9.45 pm in the presence of his brethren.

Fr Charles was one of five children and both he and his brother John became monks at Ampleforth, John in 1939, Charles in 1950. In a period lasting just over 40 years, Fr Charles held a variety of posts in the school at different times: Manager of the school shop, Master in charge of the Beagles, Master in charge of Carpentry, Fire Officer, and school Guest Master. In 1993, at the age of 61, he moved to begin life working in parishes, starting at Leyland, in Lancashire, where he was assistant priest. Three years later, he moved to St John, Easingwold, succeeding his brother Fr John. In Easingwold, Fr Charles was extremely happy, despite his increasing ill health following a series of heart attacks. As his health gave increasing cause for concern, he agreed to step down from his role as parish priest in April 2008 and he asked to return to Leyland. A farewell Mass and celebration was held at St John, Easingwold, on Sunday 18th May 2008.

Following a Solemn Sung Funeral Mass in the Abbey Church on Wednesday 25th June, Fr Charles’ body was buried in the Monks’ Wood. May he rest in peace.