Well done, good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters,
I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy. (Matthew 25:21)
Today we celebrate the life of Brother Patrick Pennell and the many gifts he offered to his family, his Brothers in community, his students and all whom he met on his journey in life. Brother Patrick was blessed with many gifts — a facility for language, a patient ear for counseling, the steady encouragement of a coach, the creativity of a teacher, his acceptance and support of his fellow Xaverians, his care for them as an administrator. Brother’s signature gift, however, was his faithfulness. Brother’s commitment and loyalty to his promises, his relationships, his living the values and charism of his Xaverian vocation define his faithfulness. No doubt Brother ‘renewed his response day by day and whenever he encountered difficulties’, Brother heeded the counsel of our Founder and did not become discouraged, (Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers)
Patrick attended Saint Joseph Grade School in Somerville, MA where he first met the Xaverian Brothers. After graduation from Saint John’s High School in North Cambridge in 1950, Patrick entered Sacred Heart Novitiate in Fort Monroe, VA where he received the Xaverian Habit and religious name, Brother Gavril. He would continue his religious and professional formation at Catholic University of America where he earned his BA in French. Patrick did graduate studies at Laval University in Quebec. He earned his MA in French at Rivier College in Nashua, NH. In 1973 he earned his MA and Certification in Counseling Psychology from Fordham University in NYC.
Faithfulness to his call was the lesson Pat learned from his first mission assignment. Originally assigned to John Bapst High School in Bangor, ME. Pat was asked to change assignments with Cosmas Rubencamp and so was sent to Ryken High School in Leonardtown, MD. There was a need for someone to teach the aspirants to sing. Pat had the musical talents needed.
Pat had a very clear understanding of our educational mission as Xaverian Brothers. He knew it is to help students learn and grow, to understand that they are uniquely loved by God, to experience belonging to a caring community and to realize they have something very unique to give our world. Pat’s humble and natural down to earth manner made him approachable. Whether in the classroom, the Guidance Office or athletic field, Pat connected well with students. Kids simply liked Brother Patrick.While teaching French, Brother opened their minds to a wider world. He did more than teach vocabulary and grammar; he taught confidence, discipline, the joy of mastering something new and the appreciation of another way of viewing life especially on the trips he chaperoned to France.
As a member of Xaverian High School’s Board of Trustees, I witnessed Pat in action in the Guidance Complex. There he offered something even more precious: his presence. Students who were uncertain, discouraged, or searching for direction found in him a calm voice and a steady heart. He listened without judgment, guided without pressure, and believed in young people sometimes before they believed in themselves.
An image that has remained with me since the late 1970’s is that of Pat standing with a clipboard on the corner of 71st and Shore Road surrounded by track kids getting ready to head to the park for practice. Pat was definitely the Pied Piper. He taught these young people enduring lessons about the value of hard work, perseverance and teamwork. Pat developed more that runners. He formed character. He truly cared about his students, not as numbers on a roster, but as young men entrusted to him by God. Many of Pat’s qualities and behaviors as a teacher reflect the formation he received in our Xaverian tradition. The formation was articulated in our Manual of Customs and Advice. There the Brothers were exhorted to bring their class preparation and the well-being of their students to prayer. It is clear that Pat’s approach to teaching and students was shaped by that formation. It is also clear for anyone who ever lived with Pat that his prayer life was central to his life. Brother, it is this communion with the living God which is at the heart of your life, as the son of the Father, disciple of Jesus, witness of the Holy Spirit, quickened member of His Body and brother to the world. (Fundamental Principles)
Within community, Pat was loyal to his Brothers, hardworking and dutiful. He embraced the ordinary tasks of religious life with quiet faithfulness. Not long ago, Pat confided to me that he felt he had not done enough for the Congregation. I assured him that his example of being brother to others was powerful. We know that Jesus measures success not by titles but by love. In Jesus’ eyes, Brother Pat’s life was rich indeed. He multiplied the talents given to him by forming responsible, compassionate, and capable adults. His legacy walks in classrooms, offices, homes, and communities wherever his former students now live their vocations. The lives of his confreres are enriched by his presence among us. As the Preface of the Funeral Mass reminds us, “Life is not ended, it is simply changed.” And so we entrust him to the Lord with confidence. Having been faithful in small and great matters alike, may he now hear those long-awaited words: Well done, Pat. My good and faithful servant…Come, share your master’s joy. (Matthew 25:21)
Prepared by Brother Edward Driscoll, CFX
Funeral Arrangements
Friday, March 6, 2026
St. Richard of Chichester Church
90 Forest St.
Danvers, MA 01923
Viewing 10:00am
Funeral Mass 11:00am
Luncheon to follow at Xaverian House
Arrangements by CR Lyons and Sons, Danvers, MA.
Read his obituary here.