Shortly after his election in September, Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder appointed Fr. Brendan Coffey, abbot emeritus of Glenstal Abbey in Murroe, County Limerick, Ireland, as prior of Collegio Sant’Anselmo. Fr. Brendan will assume formal responsibility for his new role on 7 January.
Joseph (Brendan) Coffey was born in Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland, in 1970. After studies in Saint Patrick’s College Maynooth and in Rome, he was ordained a priest of the diocese of Killaloe in 1995. After ordination, he pursued postgraduate studies in canon law at the Gregorian University in Rome, after which he was appointed curate in the parish of Kilrush.
He entered Glenstal Abbey in 1998, taking the name Brendan. He professed simple vows in 1999 and made his solemn profession in 2002. After some years working in the abbey school as a housemaster and teacher of Classics, Fr. Brendan spent two years at Santa Giustina, in Padua, Italy, doing postgraduate studies in liturgy.
On his return to Glenstal, he served as prior of the monastery from 2007 until 2015. He spent the academic year 2015-16 at the Catholic University of America where he began doctoral studies in liturgy.
He was elected abbot of Glenstal in September 2016 and received the abbatial blessing in November 2016. During his tenure as abbot, he oversaw the restoration and refurbishment of the buildings and encouraged conferences, outreach programs, and interfaith initiatives, reinforcing Glenstal’s reputation as a center for both monastic and public engagement. He completed his mandate as abbot of Glenstal in July 2024.
In 2018 he was appointed first assistant to the abbot president of the Benedictine Congregation of the Annunciation, a role he still holds. He was elected president of the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland in September 2021 and served the customary two-year mandate.
Beyond his responsibilities at Glenstal, Fr. Brendan has been an active participant in the broader Benedictine confederation, contributing to monastic visitations, conferences and retreats. This experience and background led to his appointment as prior of Collegio Sant’Anselmo in Rome, a pivotal institution for Benedictine education and collaboration. In this role, he continues his service to the Benedictine confederation and the universal Church.