R.I.P. Dom David Nicholson, O.S.B.

I was just send notice of the passing on June 9, at the age of 89, of Dom David Nicholson, O.S.B., of Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon. Dom David was a distinguished student and teacher of Gregorian Chant and a wonderful charming man. I consider myself fortunate to have known him.

He converted to Catholicism from "Anglo-Catholicism" as a young man, attracted especially by the chant and the contemplative tradition. For decades he taught music and music history at Mount Angel Seminary and was music director of the abbey for extended periods. He studied chant in a great number of places, including an extended stay at Solesmes.

He had a marvelous sense of humor even in the hardest times. It was a great joy to him to see the revival of chant in recent years and he took great delight in helping revive it Oregon. He was a dear friend of the Dominican Community in Portland OR, where he visited many times.

I will soon celebrate a Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul. Prayers are also asked of our readers.

P.S. before someone comments on it: Fr. David was very proud of his English heritage and his friends commonly called him "Dom David" in the English style. Thus the title of this post.