On 1 February, the Benedictine Congregation of Saint Mary of Monte Oliveto elevated two monasteries to the rank of abbey. The new abbeys of St Bernard Tolomei in South Korea and Holy Cross in Northern Ireland subsequently elected two new abbots. Story here.

The Benedictine Commission on China brings together representatives from Benedictine monasteries throughout the world to exchange information about the work of their communities related to China and to discuss cooperation on projects for China. This year the meeting was held on 9 March at Sant'Anselmo. Story and photo links here.

From 22-26 February 2019, Saint Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama (USA) hosted the quadrennial meeting of Benedictine Abbots and Prioresses.  More than 75 monastic superiors representing more than 2,700 Benedictine men and women in the Americas attended the meeting. More details here.