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.
On 30 November 2024, Abbot Michael Reepen OSB, Pro-President of the Congregation of Saint Ottilien, wrote to inform us of the election of a new abbot of the community of Inkamana, South Africa. Letter and photos here.
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 Benedictine Confederation’s Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder is now sharing his circular letters publicly. Traditionally sent only to monasteries, these messages are now available in six languages for everyone to read. Click here to download the PDF of your choice.
Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder provided a profound reflection on the 60th anniversary of the consecration of Montecassino Abbey, commemorating its history, the peace message of Pope Paul VI, and the ongoing mission of the Benedictine community. Story, pdfs and photo links here.
Abbot Johannes Perkmann of Abtei Michaelbeuern was reelected abbot president of the Austrian Benedictine Congregation, and a new council or “Presidium” was also elected. Story and photos here.
On 14 September 2024, Abbot Jeremias Schröder OSB, of St. Ottilien Archabbey in Eresing, Germany, was elected abbot primate of the Benedictine Confederation at the Congress of Abbots meeting in Rome. He is the 11th abbot primate to be elected. Story and photos here.
