Pope Leo XIV Addresses Vallombrosans
Pope Leo XIV welcomed the newly elected Abbot General and all participants to the General Chapter of the Vallombrosan Congregation on 28 June 2025, urging continued fidelity to Gospel simplicity.
Benedictine Congregations Report 2024: Unity in Diversity Across the Global Confederation
Benedictine congregations worldwide report both challenges and growth, with Asian and African communities thriving whilst Western monasteries face declining numbers. The global confederation maintains 19 diverse congregations spanning six continents. These reports, from 18 of the 19 congregations, span the years 2016 to 2024.
Abbot Mamerto Menapace OSB Dies at the Age of 83
Abbot Mamerto Menapace OSB, monk of the Abbey of Santa María de Los Toldos and former Abbot President of the Congregation of the Holy Cross of the Southern Cone, has died aged 83. His writings and reflections deeply marked the faith of countless Argentinians.
New Abbot Elected for Mariastein Abbey
The Benedictine monks of Mariastein Abbey have elected Father Ludwig Rudolf Ziegerer OSB as their new abbot. He succeeds Abbot Peter von Sury OSB and will lead the community for the next six years.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Receives Heufelder Prize
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was awarded the Emmanuel Heufelder Prize by Niederaltaich Abbey for his lifelong dedication to ecumenical dialogue. The award highlights long-standing Benedictine engagement with the Eastern churches.
Clothed in Glory: The Art and Witness of Vincent Crosby OSB
Fr. Vincent’s art is more than beauty — it is a living expression of his Benedictine vocation. His vesture and design work reveal the glory of God in the midst of the Church and the world.
Fr. Alfred Eichmann Elected Abbot of Lambrecht Abbey
The monks of Saint Lambrecht Abbey have elected Alfred Eichmann OSB as their new abbot. He succeeds Abbot Benedikt Plank, who is stepping down upon reaching the statutory retirement age.
Benedictine Bishop Hanke Concludes Decades of Service
Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke OSB, has retired after nearly twenty years leading the Diocese of Eichstätt. His tenure blended Benedictine tradition with a commitment to ecological, pastoral and educational renewal.
Notes from the Aventine | May-June
The election of Pope Leo XIV has stirred pride and hope across the Catholic world, his first message from the Loggia — peace — echoing the Benedictine call to peacemaking. His Peruvian roots and connection to the Benedictine Confederation have deeply moved many, especially in Latin America and at Sant’Anselmo in Rome.
Events, Elections and Appointments | May-June
Abbot Primate Jeremias shares short excerpts of Confederation news.