Abbot Luke Rigby Society

Since the Abbey’s founding in 1955, we have been devoted to the St. Louis Catholic community, especially the Abbey Family. Abbot Luke Rigby was a pastoral man who had deep connections to many during his more than 55 years in St. Louis.

Along with the two other founding monks (Fathers Columba and Timothy), Abbot Luke was dedicated to building a college preparatory school of the highest excellence as well as a Benedictine community that would provide spiritual guidance for St. Louis families. He was the first elected Superior and Abbot and continued to lead the monastery until 1995. Because of his dedication to the monastery, the entire Abbey Family and the school, it seems fitting to name the group of donors who have that same dedication and forethought in his honor. Abbot Luke died in 2012 at the age of 88.

The Abbot Luke Rigby Society recognizes all those who have included the Abbey or the School in their estate plans through various kinds of deferred giving arrangements. These arrangements include different types of trusts, insurance gifts, annuities and bequests.

To become a member of the Abbot Luke Rigby Society, simply inform the Advancement office that you have named The Abbey of Saint Mary and Saint Louis or Saint Louis Priory School as a beneficiary in your financial or estate plans. For more information on how you can join the Abbot Luke Rigby Society, please contact Lise Riet-Lague in the Advancement Office at 314.434.0783 or lrietlague@priory.org.