Obituary: The Rev. James Stephen Behrens

The Rev. James Stephen Behrens, OCSO, 71, a monk at the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit died on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019. 

A monk of 25 years and a priest of 45 years, he served as a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark for over 20 years before entering the monastery in 1994. 

The Rev. Behrens was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. after his parents relocated from New Orleans, La. Most of his youth was spent in Montclair, which is the focus of many of his essays.

The Rev. Behrens is the author of six books, including the bestseller “Portraits of Grace.” He was a longtime contributor to the National Catholic Reporter, and his writings have appeared in Notre Dame Magazine, St. Anthony Messenger, Liguorian and Living Faith. He was also a regular contributor to the Georgia Bulletin and various other publications. 

He is predeceased by his brothers John and James Behrens. 

The Rev. Behrens is survived by his sisters Mary Behrens McCarthy (Brian) of Atlanta, Ga. Margaret (Meg) Brown (James) of Herndon, Va. and brothers Robert F. Behrens (Marnie) of Highpoint, N.C., Peter Behrens (Bonnie) of Troy, Mich., godmother Mary Dwyer of Brooklyn, N.Y. and three nephews and five nieces. 

The celebration of the Funeral Mass of the Resurrection and the burial was Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the monastery church. 

Condolences and memorial offerings may be sent in memory of the Rev. James Stephen Behrens to: The Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Highway 212 SW, Conyers, GA 30094 Attn: Abbot Augustine.