Dom Guillermo León Arboleda Tamayo OSB, Abbot President of the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation, is one of the new religious Members appointed to the Vatican Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. More details here.
Bishop Viktor Dammertz OSB, Abbot Primate Emeritus, celebrated nine decades of life and ministry during a simple but beautiful Mass at the Archabbey of Sankt Ottilien on Saturday, 8 June 2019. See details here.
Father Antony Puthenpurackal OSB of Saint Joseph's Conventual Priory Makkiyad, India, has been elected as the new Abbot General of the Sylvestrine Congregation. See details here.
On Thursday 21 March 2019, the Abbey of Montecassino celebrated the Solemnity of the Transitus of Saint Benedict, Father of Western Monasticism. See story, homily of Cardinal Becciù, articles, and photos here.
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.
As is tradition on Ash Wednesday, the Holy Father arrived at the Basilica of Sant'Anselmo for Statio prayers with the Benedictine and Dominican communities, followed by the Lenten penitential procession to the first stational Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina. Video, papal homily, and news coverage here.
Pope Francis has chosen Olivetan Benedictine Abbot Bernardo Gianni OSB Oliv., of the Abbey of San Miniato al Monte in Florence, to preach his Lenten spiritual exercises in Ariccia, Italy from 10-15 March 2019. See story, articles, video, and photos here.
