The Saint Vincent Archabbey, Seminary and College community learned of the untimely passing of retired Bishop Lawrence Brandt of the Diocese of Greensburg on Sunday, June 8, noting his many longstanding contributions to both the diocese and Saint Vincent.

“We were saddened to learn of the passing of Bishop Brandt,” said Archabbot Martin de Porres Bartel, O.S.B. “He played an important leadership role in the Church, first in the Diocese of Erie as Chancellor, then later, closer to home as Bishop of the Diocese of Greensburg. He had a special affinity for the Saint Vincent Archabbey Basilica, as his grandfather was one of the craftsmen pictured in an 1896 photograph of the Basilica builders, employed as a bricklayer.”

“Bishop Brandt’s service to Saint Vincent Seminary was invaluable,” said Saint Vincent Seminary Rector Edward Mazich, O.S.B. “He was a member of our Board of Regents from 1991 to 2001, and then in 2001 was re-elected to the board, and served on various committees, including Planning and Academic Affairs. Following his appointment as Bishop in 2004, he once again continued his service on the Board. For his valuable contributions through many years of service to Saint Vincent Seminary, we were proud to honor him with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.”

“The Saint Vincent College community is grateful to Bishop Brandt for his service and leadership to our diocese and on our Board of Directors,” said Father Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., president of Saint Vincent College.