Press Release
Adam Simon
adam.simon@anselmianum.com

Norcia, Italy — The Benedictine Confederation has formally opened its global journey towards the 2029 Jubilee, which will mark 1,500 years since the foundation of Montecassino by Saint Benedict in 529.

The opening celebration took place on Saturday 25 April in Norcia, the birthplace of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica, with the participation of Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder, Archbishop Renato Boccardo of Spoleto-Norcia, Abbot Benedict Nivakoff of Norcia, 100 monks and nuns from more than 20 countries and local dignitaries.

“Everything begins here, today, in the simplicity of a small Umbrian town, where a Christian family gave birth to two children who changed history,” said Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder.

Entitled “Places of Hope since 529”, the Benedictine Jubilee will follow the locations and themes that shaped Saint Benedict’s life:

• 2026: Norcia — “Awaken”
• 2027: Rome — “Listen”
• 2028: Subiaco — “Grow”
• 2029: Montecassino — “Flourish”

The year 2026 marks the beginning of preparation for this jubilee, starting from Norcia where Saint Benedict and his twin sister, Saint Scholastica, were born, baptized and raised.

“Norcia brings us back to what is essential: to baptism,” said Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder. “When we speak of family, we do not mean only our monastic community, but the universal fraternity of all Christians, the great family of God.”

Abbot Benedict Nivakoff drew a parallel between the destruction caused by the 2016 earthquake in Norcia and the rebirth he hopes and prays for all Benedictines.

“I think of a rebirth that awaits every monk of our Order — whom you represent here today from all over the world,” he said. “In Christ, every day can be a rebirth. Ten years ago, after the earthquake, we thought our future had come to an end. Yet often it is only when we think there is no future left, when in our monastic life we feel that our strength is exhausted, that God can intervene. It is then that our life can truly become His”.

Archbishop Renato Boccardo affirmed the importance of Benedictines in the life of the Church and of his diocese.

“I feel moved to entrust to you, to your prayer and to your dedication, the daily journey of our Church and of the diocese, so that we may preserve the memory of Saint Benedict, interpret it in the light of our present time, and continue offering men and women today, amid the uncertainties of our age, orientation and direction for their lives”.