Here we share short excerpts of Confederation news.
Sant’Anselmo commissioned renowned Roman atelier LAVS to create bespoke ceremonial vestments for the 125th Anniversary Mass of the Dedication of the Church, presided over by Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV visited Sant’Anselmo for the church's 125th anniversary. In his homily, he called the abbey a "beating heart" for the Benedictine world and monasticism a "frontier reality". Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder reflects on his words.
Sant’Anselmo will offer three formation programmes in summer 2026, supporting monks, nuns and oblates with practical training, renewal and focused study in the heart of Rome.
The Hildegard of Bingen Reliquary of Light by Philipp Schönborn, first shown in Berlin, was exhibited at Sant’Anselmo for the Dedication of the Church.
Sant’Anselmo completed the installation of its new fountain in time for the Pope’s visit, bringing to a close a long, careful project that began with essential restoration work in 2019.
Collegio Sant’Anselmo held its Fall Day of Formation on the theme “Per un uso monastico di Internet?”. Sociologist Isabelle Jonveaux led two conferences, prompting reflection on how digital media shapes contemporary monastic life.
Delegates from Benedictine communities across East Asia and Oceania met at Thien Binh Monastery, Vietnam, in October to renew collaboration in formation and education, and to elect new leadership for the regional network.
Brother Richard Oliver OSB foresaw the digital age and, in 1995, built OSB DOT ORG—one of the earliest Catholic websites. His pioneering “monastic webweaving” connected Benedictines worldwide long before the internet was common ground.
After a quiet summer, Sant’Anselmo is alive again with new students, leaders and projects. Highlights include the Synod of Abbot Presidents in Montserrat, preparations for Pope Leo XIV’s celebration of our 125th church jubilee, and renewed support for Benedictine women and oblates worldwide.
Here we share short excerpts of Confederation news.
Sant’Anselmo welcomes three Benedictine leaders: Jákó Örs Fehérváry OSB as rector, Laurentius Eschlböck OSB as dean of Theology, and Stefan Geiger OSB as president of the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy. Included: Photos from the Inauguration of the Academic Year 2025-26
The frescoes of Keur Moussa Abbey, created by Dom Georges Saget OSB in 1963, unite Benedictine tradition with African visual language. They remain central to the abbey’s spiritual and cultural life.
Sant’Anselmo announces that Father Mauritius Wilde OSB has been appointed Abbot of Maria Laach by the Holy See. The Abbot Primate thanks him for his years of service and prays for blessings on his new ministry.
Students from around the world gathered at Sant’Anselmo for the ICBE youth congress for days of prayer, dialogue and discovery — linking Benedictine schools worldwide through faith and friendship.
The Synod of Abbot Presidents met in Montserrat, 15–19 September, uniting Benedictine leaders in prayer, fraternity and dialogue. Highlights included collaboration with the CIB and preparations for the Benedictine Jubilee of 2029.
The Abbey of Lubiń marked the 450th anniversary of the birth of the Servant of God Father Bernard of Wąbrzeźno OSB with a three-day gathering that brought together Benedictine superiors from Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine.
Sant’Anselmo in Rome hosted the 20th national congress of Italian Benedictine Oblates from 29 to 31 August 2025. The assembly featured shared liturgy, scholarly input and the election of a new national council.
Fr. Ludwig Wenzl OSB has been elected by the community of Melk Abbey as the 68th abbot, succeeding Abbot Georg Wilfinger. He will take office on 7 November 2025 for a 12-year term.
On 5 September 2025 Pope Leo XIV confirmed the re-election of Fr. Urban Federer, OSB, as ordinary Abbot of the Territorial Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln. The monastic chapter had elected him on 30 August for another 12-year term, a first in the Abbey’s history.
During the celebrations which marked the 50th anniversary of the Abbey Church of Worth Abbey (UK), Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder OSB spoke to the Catholic Union of Great Britain.
In this Saint Benedict Day edition of NEXUS, the Abbot Primate reflects on recent travels, visits to monasteries, and the broad appeal of the Saint Benedict medal. He shares news of community vitality, a personal coat of arms, and encourages time for rest as summer settles in across the Northern Hemisphere.
Abbot Primate Jeremias shares short excerpts of Confederation news.
The Pontifical Athenaeum Sant’Anselmo announces the appointment of Professor Jákó Örs Fehérváry OSB as its new rector. A monk of Pannonhalma, he will take office on 9 September 2025.
A workshop at Sant’Anselmo in Rome brought together Christian and Buddhist monastics for a shared exploration of contemplative practice. Rooted in mutual respect, the dialogue opened new paths for understanding and spiritual enrichment.
At the 2024 Congress of Abbots, Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder led a workshop on the evolving recognition of non-ordained monks as major superiors, tracing a decades-long path to the recent papal rescript.
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 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, 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Abbot Primate Jeremias shares short excerpts of Confederation news.
Fr. Ruberval Monteiro da Silva OSB merges theology and sacred art in his roles at Sant’Anselmo. His work exemplifies the integration of monastic life, academic rigor, and artistic expression.
In Burkina Faso, parishes and monasteries face immense challenges due to ongoing violence and displacement. Amid fear and poverty, the Church continues to offer support, prayer and hope.
Italian police are seeking help identifying a reliquary of Saint Boniface that may have been stolen from a Benedictine church. Officials invite Benedictine communities to assist in the investigation.
Most Reverend Doctor Shamindra Jayawardena OSB has been elected as the new Abbot General of the Sylvestro Benedictine Congregation. This historic election on 28 May 2025 marks him as the first Sri Lankan to hold the position and the General Chapter was held outside Italy for the first time.
The Austrian Benedictine Congregation has begun its 400th anniversary celebrations with a pilgrimage to Mariazell Basilica. Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder led the commemorative Mass, emphasising the enduring relevance of Benedictine life as a hopeful response to contemporary challenges.
The Congress of Abbots has approved the admission of Sainte-Marie de la Garde Abbey into the Benedictine Confederation. Founded in 2002 by Abbot Gérard Calvet, the young and growing French community follows the traditional liturgy and monastic life.
At the 2024 Congress of Abbots, Abbot General Bernardus Peeters highlighted the urgent need to renew the Cistercian contemplative identity amid global challenges. Emphasising communion, participation, mission and formation, he called for deeper unity, ecological responsibility and inclusive leadership rooted in Christ.
Timothy Radcliffe OP addressed the Congress of Abbots with a call to monastic hope, stability and truthfulness in a world marked by crisis, distraction and identity confusion. He urged Benedictines to remain as signs of peace and joy, quietly rooted in worship and the enduring mystery of God.
Saint Vincent Archabbey hosted the centenary celebration of Fu Jen University, marking 100 years since its founding in Beijing. Events highlighted the university’s Benedictine origins, academic vision and enduring ties to Chinese culture and the global Church.
Pope Leo XIV has taken possession of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in a ceremony that included members of the Collegio and Schola of Sant’Anselmo. His homily reflected on the universality of salvation and the urgency of proclaiming the Gospel.
Twelve KU Leuven theology students immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of Catholic tradition during a weeklong study trip to Rome. From Vatican institutions to Dominican archives — this was a journey of faith, study, and connection.
In a thoughtful exchange between Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Abbot Urban Federer, The Rule of Saint Benedict emerges as a vital guide for courageous leadership in modern times.
On Monday, 28 April, Abbot Donato Ogliari delivered a meditation to the General Congregation of Cardinals in anticipation of the upcoming papal conclave. His reflection covered the centrality of Christ, the freedom of the Spirit, challenges facing the Church, and the concept of the "upper room" related to communion and synodality. Link to full text in English and Italian here.
A new chapter begins at Münsterschwarzach Abbey. Prior Pascal has retired after 12 years, and Br. Jeremia Martin has been appointed as the new prior. Includes a link to an interview between the two on the Münsterschwarzach Abbey web site.
On Tuesday 22 April Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder and the community of the Primatial Abbey of Sant'Anselmo will celebrate Holy Mass for Pope Francis. We will continue to remember Pope Francis in our prayers during the nine-day period of mourning.
Abbot Primate Jeremias shares short excerpts of Confederation news.
Reflecting on Easter, Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder shares a story from Pope Gregory's dialogues: for St. Benedict, receiving a visitor was already a kind of Easter. It reminds us that seeing others with openness and welcome can be a form of resurrection in our daily lives.
To foster better communication and coordination among the Curia, Atheneum, and College of Sant'Anselmo, Abbot Primate Jeremias initiated the Principals meeting. This quarterly, day-long retreat brings together key leaders offsite for concentrated reflection.
The three-day monastic symposium Sapienza: Forma di vita e di pensiero successfully concluded on 10 April at Ateneo Sant’Anselmo. Key presentations from notable presenters such as Cardinal Fernández offered a sapiential consideration of monastic life and thought culminating in a round table on wisdom in monastic observance.
Are we truly seeking the interests of Jesus Christ, or are we caught up in our own? Abbot General Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori delivers a pertinent reflection for today's monastic communities.
The Monastery of São Bento in Fortaleza is now officially part of the Benedictine Congregation of Brazil. Founded by Dom Beda Pereira de Holanda in 1993, it was previously part of the Diocese of Fortaleza.
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.
Abbot Primate Emeritus Gregory wrote: "For Poemen, nothing less than total dependence 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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On Ash Wednesday, 5 March, the traditional "stational" liturgy began at 4:30 p.m. in the Basilica of Sant'Anselmo. As Pope Francis recovered from bilateral pneumonia, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis presided over the celebration, leading the penitential procession to the Basilica of Santa Sabina. But why does the procession begin at Sant’Anselmo? In this essay, Fr. Stefan Geiger explains why. Includes video, photos and links.
From Gemelli Hospital to Sant'Anselmo, the Pope sent a message to the participants of the training course “Living the Liturgical Action in Fullness”. He kindly sent the text of the speech that he would have delivered in person at the special audience he had granted to the participants of the course. Story, document links and photos here.
Abbots from North and Central America gathered at St. Joseph Abbey for their annual workshop, discussing religious life, vocations, and the future of monastic communities.
Archabbot Jakob is the 89th abbot and 7th archabbot of St Peter's, which was founded in 696 by Saint Rupert. Photos courtesy of Sant’Anselmo, where Archabbot Jakob studied with the Faculty of Theology during the academic year 2019-20 as part of his baccalaureate program at the University of Salzburg.
On Tuesday, 25 February 2025, the community of Seitenstetten Abbey re-elected Abbot Petrus Pilsinger for a second term of office by canonical vote. His new term of office extends until he reaches the age of 70. Story, photos and curriculum vitae here.
At a luncheon held on 2 February, Abbot Primate Jeremias expressed profound thanks to Fr. Dorotej as Sant'Anselmo welcomed Fr. Sebastian as the rector of the basilica. Read more about Sebastian’s inspiring path.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Brother Colmán Ó Clabaigh OSB, and Sister Marie Johann Heo OSB, as the new coordinators of the Monastic Formators’ Program.
In a message dated 2 January 2025, and published on 30 January 30, Pope Francis commemorated the 150th anniversary of the death of Dom Prosper Guéranger, the founder of the Solesmes Congregation.
Sant’Anselmo is delighted to welcome pilgrims visiting during the Holy Year 2025. We are offering guided tours of our historic church, cloister, and other key areas in seven languages. Story and contact information here.
On 30 January, Archabbot Luca Fallica of Montecassino appointed Fr. Jordi-Agustí Piqué i Collado OSB, as the new claustral prior of the archabbey. Fr. Jordi was president of Sant’Anselmo’s Pontifical Institute of Liturgy for three terms.
"As abbot primate of the Benedictine Confederation and great chancellor of the Pontifical Athenaeum Sant’Anselmo in Rome, I warmly congratulate our rector, Fr. Dr. Bernhard Eckerstorfer OSB, on his election as abbot of the abbey of Kremsmünster in Austria". Continue reading. . .
Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder writes from Korea, where his Congregation is meeting at Waegwan Abbey, reflecting on Pope Francis’ Holy Year of Pilgrimage of Hope. Hope isn’t a gift, he says, but a virtue — a practice we must foster. He urges us to keep our doors open for God’s action in our lives and communities. Read the complete reflection here.
During an extraordinary General Chapter in Waegwan, Korea, the Congregation of Saint Ottilien elected a new abbot president on 18 January.
• New abbot president of Ottilien Congregation
• new abbots of Göttweig and Maredsous abbeys
• new papal appointments, congregations, and commissions.
Read the summaries here.
At the Göttweig Benedictine Abbey, Patrick Schöder OSB was elected 8 January as the new abbot. He succeeds Abbot Columban Luser as the 66th abbot of this historic monastery. Abbot Columban held this office for more than 15 years with prudence, spiritual depth, and foresight.
The Benedictine monks of Maredsous have elected Père François Lear as their ninth abbot on 19 December 2024, following the decision of Père Abbé Bernard Lorent to assume the presidency of the Alliance for Inter-Monastic Cooperation. Story and video here.
Fr. Patrick Carter OSB, secretary to the abbot primate, gives us some interesting statistics from OSB Atlas. Story, chart and graphs here.
Newly-installed Secretary General Fr. Cyprian Consiglio OSB Cam, delivers a report on his travels and future plans for DIMMID. Story, links and photos here.
Archabbot Cirill T. Hortobágyi OSB, abbot president of the Hungarian Benedictine Congregation and archabbot of Pannonhalma, recently led an ecumenical delegation to Istanbul at the invitation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Story, photos and links here.
If you receive communications from Benedictines with whom you are not normally in contact, and if they involve money, verify the contact through an abbot president, the CIB, or the abbot primate's office. More details here.
Abbot Primate Jeremias introduces NEXUS, a monthly news bulletin connecting Benedictine communities with updates, resources and necrology notices. It comes out in six languages. The automatic translations still need improvement, please be patient. Recent highlights include insights from the Synod on Synodality and efforts to enhance collaboration within the Benedictine Confederation. As Advent begins, Abbot Jeremias encourages communities to embody hope, the theme for the upcoming Holy Year.
These short articles include highlights regarding leadership changes across Benedictine communities, from Scotland to South Africa, with key appointments including Father Simon Piatkowski at Pluscarden Abbey and Abbot Boniface Kamushisi in Inkamana; strategic reviews of organizational structures; and hints of future initiatives such as a new abbot training program.
The Catalogus 2025 project introduces a digital platform in collaboration with the Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum (CIB) to streamline information gathering and management. This initiative will assist with Vatican forms, directories, statistics and more, while simplifying the production of the print Catalogus. Updates on progress will be shared as work continues with the Benedictine Confederation and CIB.
Following a process that started in 2021, Sant'Anselmo has taken a decisive step forward in developing a corporate design that will shape its overall internal and external image. This new design embodies the character the Sant'Anselmo administration wishes to project across all initiatives and communications.
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.
Due to political instability, the Theological Study Year in Jerusalem has temporarily relocated to Rome, continuing its program of biblical studies, ecumenism, and interreligious dialogue. Leveraging support from Sant’Anselmo, the program has adapted to a new context while exploring Rome’s rich historical ties to the Holy Land.
The 2024 Congress of Abbots called Benedictine communities to become active peacebuilders, beginning within their own monasteries. Inspired by Saint Benedict’s message of reconciliation and Pope Francis’s appeal, the Congress urged a renewed commitment to prayer, hospitality and unity during the coming Holy Year.
NEXUS BulletinSant'Anselmo2025-11-23T12:05:01+01:00
