At the 2024 Congress of Abbots, Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder led a workshop on the evolving recognition of non-ordained monks as major superiors, tracing a decades-long path to the recent papal rescript.
Benedictine congregations worldwide report both challenges and growth, with Asian and African communities thriving whilst Western monasteries face declining numbers. The global confederation maintains 19 diverse congregations spanning six continents. These reports, from 18 of the 19 congregations, span the years 2016 to 2024.
The Congress of Abbots has approved the admission of Sainte-Marie de la Garde Abbey into the Benedictine Confederation. Founded in 2002 by Abbot Gérard Calvet, the young and growing French community follows the traditional liturgy and monastic life.
At the 2024 Congress of Abbots, Abbot General Bernardus Peeters highlighted the urgent need to renew the Cistercian contemplative identity amid global challenges. Emphasising communion, participation, mission and formation, he called for deeper unity, ecological responsibility and inclusive leadership rooted in Christ.
Timothy Radcliffe OP addressed the Congress of Abbots with a call to monastic hope, stability and truthfulness in a world marked by crisis, distraction and identity confusion. He urged Benedictines to remain as signs of peace and joy, quietly rooted in worship and the enduring mystery of God.
Are we truly seeking the interests of Jesus Christ, or are we caught up in our own? Abbot General Mauro-Giuseppe Lepori delivers a pertinent reflection for today's monastic communities.
