IN MEMORIAM: Fr. Lesscher, Dutch church music expert

Fr. Gerard Lesscher 1929-2012
(photo: lambertushengelo.nl)
On December 17 passed away Rev. Fr. Gerard Lesscher, born 1929. Fr. Lesscher was ordained priest of the Archdiocese of Utrecht in 1957. He was former parish priest of the Lambertusbasiliek, founder of several choirs, composer of church music and a great liturgy expert. After Fr. Lesscher received the anointing of the sick he raised his trembling hands and blessed those present. Then he spoke out his last words: "In Your hands, Lord, I command my spirit." The Archbishop of Utrecht, Cardinal Eijk, kindly asks the faithful to remember Fr. Lesscher in prayer. Read the Cardinal's communique: (Dutch).

Funeral on Saturday
On Friday December 21, 2012 a silent vigil will be held at Saint Lambert's Basilica (Enschedesestraat 3, Hengelo) from 18.00 till 18.30h. The funeral mass will be celebrated at the same basilica on Saturday December 22, 2012. The basilica will open its doors at 9.30h. At 10.30h mass will start. After mass Fr. Lesscher will be buried at the cemetary at Deurningerstraat 262 in Hengelo.

Composer of church music
Cardinal Eijk praises Fr. Lesscher's great righteousness regarding faith, church and liturgy. The Cardinal mentions Fr. Lesschers 'opus magnum' (great work): the composition of music settings for the Dutch translations of both the graduale and breviary. An overview on Fr. Lesscher's compositions can be found on his website.