Fr David Waite, O.Carm. RIP

Of your goodness, please remeber in your prayers, Fr David Waite, O.Carm., a friar of this community, who died this morning. May he rest in peace.


David was born in Caterham, Surrey, in 1946. In 1976 he joined the Carmelites, leaving behind a career at the Bank of England.

After completing his noviciate he made first profession at Aylesford Priory and then went to Rome to begin studies in preparation for priesthood which he completed in Rome and Dublin.

David made his Solemn Profession at Whitefriars School, Cheltenham, in 1983 and was ordained Priest at English Martyrs, Walworth, in 1990.

During his ministry David served in  a variety of our communities in the Province and also spent time at the service of the Order in Rome taking on the care of the prestigious Carmelite Central Library and, at the same time, the editorship of Carmelus, the Order’s academic journal.

In recent years David had combined an ongoing commitment to the Order’s cultural life in Rome with pastoral ministry at Aylesford Priory in Kent.

Diagnosed with cancer late in 2010 David’s last months were characterised by a great sense of peacefulness and warmth of welcome for all those he met.

David died peacefully at Aylesford Priory, supported by the prayers of the community. Details of his funeral, will be posted shortly.

Throughout his religious life David was a man rooted in prayer and a deep love for God’s Word.

Lord,

you are the glory of those who serve you.

Look lovingly on our departed brother David.

the waters of baptism and the bonds of Carmel unite us with him

in following Christ and his Mother.

In your mercy grant him everlasting sight of you, his creator and Redeemer.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for him