This week and next, two-hundred twenty Benedictine superiors, being abbots or Priors, are gathered in Rome for the Congress of Abbots, normally held every four years, and always in the Eternal City.
The place of meeting is at the Abbey of Sant’Anselmo, the flagship of the Benedictine Confederation, on the fairly quiet Aventine Hill, about a mile from the Vatican, but in the heart of Rome. Today’s photo was taken inside the cloister of Sant’Anselmo.
The abbots and Priors are from all over the world, representing their respective monasteries, large or small and in between.
Because of covid, there was no Congress of Abbots on 2020, so it has been eight years since the last one was held.
This year a major part of the gathering will be the election of a new Abbot Primate, the official representative of all Benedictine monasteries on planet earth. He resides at Sant’Anselmo during his time as Primate (pronounced “pry-mutt”).
The Abbot Primate is in office for eight years, helping to encourage and support the Benedictine charism of prayer, reading, work and hospitality.
Prayers are requested for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the proceeding days of listening, discussing and deciding matters pertaining to the worldwide way of life called “Benedictine” throughout the world.
With greetings, thanks and prayers,
Abbot Christian, OSB
