Fr. Korbinian Birnbacher OSB
Treasurer, Sant’Anselmo

Since 1 September, I have been the new economist of Sant’Anselmo and the Benedictine Confederation. Previously, I held various leadership positions as novice master, prior, and archabbot of my monastery, the Archabbey of Saint Peter in Salzburg, Austria. Up until now, I really had little to do directly with money and economics, but I could always rely on good staff. Thankfully, that is also the case at Sant’Anselmo. I thank Abbot Geraldo Gonzales y Lima, who managed the finances of Sant’Anselmo for more than a decade. It hasn’t always been as organized as he was able to hand it over to me now.

Many people contributed to this, especially Dr. Fabio Corcione and his team, but also the members of the finance commission, who over the years have set the framework for solid financial management. Above all, it’s important not to lose the big picture. As you know, the beautiful Abbey of Sant’Anselmo doesn't belong to us Benedictines. Since Pope Leo XIII, the property on the Aventine and the buildings have been available to us. We have to cover taxes, energy and maintenance costs ourselves. This is largely done through the subsidium and the solidarity contribution.

All monasteries in our confederation contribute to the common cause according to their financial means. But most of the subsidies and solidarity contributions don't go into the beautiful and historic building; instead, they go toward running the Atheneum and covering the expenses our Abbot Primate needs to fulfill his role as the top representative of our worldwide confederation and as a symbol of our Benedictine unity. He visibly embodies responsibility, cohesion, solidarity, and presence throughout the entire Benedictine world.

Larger maintenance measures for the historic buildings, on the other hand, are funded exclusively through donations and foundations, which are made possible by the Abbot Primate himself and largely also by Fr. Markus Muff of Engelberg and his contacts with various foundations supporting us. But keeping an eye on the whole, not losing track and distributing the funds fairly according to the newly revised economic regulations is my job.

When I was asked, I gladly said yes to this task. And yet, it is and remains a task for all of us – the committees, the councils and each individual! – to contribute their part to the common whole. Right from the first days of my time here at Sant’Anselmo, I could feel that I was received and welcomed very kindly. And I am convinced that even in difficult times, we can handle all the financial challenges of our order well. If we don't block each other, but all pull together, we will succeed. Let's go forward together into a good future with God's help!