Stand ready to answer when God asks
if you are available for Him to become more present 
in your life and through you to the world. 
Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

Forty-six years ago, Philip Revell responded to the call to be a Xaverian Brother. It was a lifelong call committing Philip to a life of love, faith and trust. Throughout the course of his life as a Xaverian, the call would become clearer for him. Through his faith and trust in Christ, Philip came to understand that he was called to manifest Christ’s self-giving to others, both in his life and in his death. Colleagues in Middletown note the depth of his call. “Brother loved being a Xaverian Brother.  Whether speaking about his teaching Religion or French ‘to the lads’ at Xaverian College in Manchester, ministering to young people in English prisons, or serving his Brothers in Congo, Philip did so with great joy and affection.” As we mourn Philip’s passing, we celebrate the love that Philip shared with so many people both in his life and his death. Philip entered eternal life peacefully on October 4 having suffered from cancer for the past two years.

Philip was born in Glossop, Derbyshire, UK on April 1, 1957. Predeceased by his father, Richard, he is survived by his loving mother, Mary, and his three younger brothers, Michael, Paul and Stephen. He first met the Xaverian Brothers as a student at Xaverian College, Manchester UK. Upon graduating from Xaverian College, Philip enrolled at the University of Kent in Canterbury, earning his BA in History and French. He continued his professional studies in education at Manchester Polytechnic.  On September 1, 1979, Philip entered the Congregation at Xaverian College in Manchester, welcomed by Brother Cyril Birtles and the Brothers community. He received the religious habit there and made his canonical novitiate with the Brothers of the Christian Schools, under the direction of Brother Celestine, FSC.  Philip continued his Xaverian formation at Xavier Center in Danvers, while attending theology courses at Boston College.  He then professed perpetual vows in 1985 on the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier.  In the 1990s, he studied at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA, and earned a Certificate of Theological Studies in 1998.

Philip was a very talented individual: intellectually, artistically, creatively, spiritually and socially.  He offered his many gifts in the ministry positions he held.  From 1980 through 1992, Philip held diverse positions under Brother Cyril’s leadership at Xaverian College, Manchester. He was a teacher of Religious Education and French; he served as Vice Principal for Pastoral Care, Staff Formation, and Student Development.  From 1992 through 2001, Philip was engaged in prison ministry, serving as the Roman Catholic Chaplain at HM Prison Brixton London and later at HM Prison Manchester. He also served in various leadership positions for Chaplaincy in the London South Region and served in the International Association as the Roman Catholic Representative for European Chaplains. Perhaps surprisingly, Philip acknowledged that his ministry with prisoners was especially fulfilling.  In 2002 Philip responded to the call to serve our Congolese Brothers in our formation program as Director of Scholastics in Lubumbashi and as Regional Superior.  During that time Philip also taught Biblical Theology at Maria Malkia Institute and English at the Academy for English Education, also in Lubumbashi. In 2016, he arrived at Xavier High School in Middletown, Connecticut for an eight year stay which he loved, serving as religion teacher and campus minister, and, when needed, teacher of French.

All the ministries that Philip offered the Church and its people were grounded in solid faith and trust in Jesus. Philip heeded the words of the Xaverian Fundamental Principles. “…you must be willing to spend time each day in solitude and prayer opening yourself to God’s loving word. …enter into an intimate relationship with God…” Philip had an ardent devotion to the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament the source of his love of others.  As a colleague at Xavier wrote: “Brother had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother and also to Saint Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower. His love of God manifested itself in the way he related to others.” The Congolese Brothers recall that above all in community Philip built mutually fraternal relationships that were always very respectful of the other. The Brothers knew Philip cared about them and was there to listen and help. He volunteered to play the organ for the parish and accompanied the Regina Mundo choir and choral group. He also taught music at the Indian School in Lubumbashi. Perhaps the greatest fruit of Philip’s contemplative prayer, as observed by the Congolese Brothers, was his being ‘un ami des pauvres.’ (A friend of the poor.)  The Brothers report that Philip showed them that falling in love with God and his service means supporting and accompanying the poor and marginalized. Philip’s French was impeccable. Gifted with linguistic ability, Philip taught himself Swahili. As a result of Philip’s example, the Brothers would welcome the poor, especially the handicapped, to the scholasticate. The Brothers also saw his great compassion as he helped many young people with their studies.  “Philip loved being in the Congo and cried the eve before he left. He left with the Congo in his heart.”

The Xavier High School Community gave Philip new life. Their welcome and acceptance of Philip were life-giving for him.  His friends and colleagues at Xavier will have lasting memories of Philip’s daily 3:45 Tea Time, his admission of being a Royalist due to his love of Queen Elizabeth II, his tongue in cheek suggestion that perhaps the USA would have been better off remaining in the UK.  Philip’s humorous expressions were also memorable.  For example, when talking of students; “He’s a bit dim.” Or, “Every goose is a swan to its mother.”

Philip had many gifts. Clear thinker, articulate, compassionate, humorous, and empathic.  Philip’s greatest gift was his ability to be present to whomever he encountered. His last two years provides a wonderful life lesson. He openly shared about his cancer with his friends and colleagues in Middletown. He showed all around him how to accept God’s will. He shared with a colleague that “I’ve lived a good life, one without regret.”

Philip’s last several months of life were spent with the community at Xaverian House in Danvers.  There Philip, despite his deteriorating condition, did all he could to remain a contributing member of the community.  In turn, the members of the community and staff, especially nurse Robin Rowell and all the medical professionals who attended to Philip,

returned the care he had bestowed on so many during the course of his life.

With so many around the world – in England, Congo, and Connecticut, we thank God for the gift of Brother Philip Revell to all of us.  May he rest in God’s loving peace.

Prepared by Brother Edward Driscoll

Services for
Brother Philip Revell, C.F.X.

Saturday, October 11, 2025
 

Saint Richard Church

90 Forest St.
Danvers, MA 01923

Visitation: 9:30 am – 10:15 am 

Funeral Mass: 10:30 am
Committal to follow at Xaverian Brothers Cemetery
St John’s Preparatory School, Spring St., Danvers

Arrangements by CR Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors
Read the Obituary here