Art from Behind Bars: Finding Hope “Between Here and There”
Can art truly be created without freedom? This exhibition challenges perceptions and offers a glimpse into the strength of the human spirit. Story and opening reception photos here.
Lessons from the Desert: Abbot Gregory Polan’s Parting Insights
Abbot Primate Emeritus Gregory wrote: "For Poemen, nothing less than total dependance before God will enable us to see ourselves as we really are. If we have nothing on which to depend, upon which to feel secure, it brings us to a point of seeing ourselves stripped of the things that serve to give us a false meaning of who we are in this world."
A Liturgical Tune-Up: Abbot Alban Riley on Reforming the Benedictine Calendar
Abbot Alban Riley is leading the revision of the Benedictine liturgical calendar, much like updating a car's control module to ensure smooth functioning. The proposed changes aim to balance the cycle of feasts and seasons while allowing monasteries flexibility, preserving the Benedictine tradition of prioritizing liturgical seasons over an ever-expanding list of saints.
Crowdsource Research Appeal: Dom Gregory de Wit OSB
Dom Gregory de Wit, a Benedictine artist, left a profound yet often overlooked legacy through his monumental murals and religious artworks across Europe and the U.S. A 2025 retrospective in Germany aims to document his contributions, with organizers seeking additional information on his lesser-known works. Gallery, story and contact info here.
Annual BCC Meeting: Discussion on the Church in China
At this year’s BCC meeting, participants shared updates on their communities’ engagement with China and heard insights from experts. The discussion included perspectives from Chinese priests and seminarians, offering a broader view of the Church’s current situation.
Notes from the Aventine
In this edition of NEXUS, Abbot Primate Jeremias shares his take on some events at Sant’Anselmo and in our Benedictine Confederation. He appreciates a recent letter of the Holy Father and reflects about the places to which we Benedictines are bound.
Elections, Appointments and Other News
In this article, Abbot Jeremias takes us through six weeks' worth of notable monastic events, from leadership changes to community transitions. This overview both highlights stories in this issue of NEXUS and includes other key developments shaping the Benedictine world at the beginning of 2025.
Brother George Luganga OSB
Abbey of St. Maurus
Hanga, Ruvuma, Tanzania
9 March 2025
Bishop em. Ronald Philippe Bär OSB
Monastère Bénédictin
Chevetogne, Belgium
8 March 2025
Brother Eugen Kuhn OSB
Erzabtei St. Martin
Beuron, Germany
6 March 2025