Our Community

Abbot Austin's Motto:

"Pariter ad vitam aeternam."
"May Christ bring us all together to eternal life."
(RB 72)

Abbot Austin G. Murphy, OSB
elected 10th Abbot of St. Procopius Abbey on
June 24, 2010

The Abbatial Blessing
It is characteristic of the monastic tradition to ask God's blessing upon those who are to exercise a role of service in the community. The blessing of a newly-elected abbot give the prayerful support of the Church to the "abba" who now takes up the heavy task of teaching others the fear of the Lord. It is especially fitting to bless one who undertakes the task of guiding others as a spiritual father, not for a few years in an administrative office in a distant locality, but in a monastic family marked by stability.

St. Benedict encourages the abbot to recall what the Lord told the good servant who provided his fellow servants with wheat in due season: "Amen, I say to you, he shall set him over all his goods."

The abbatial blessing takes place as a celebration of the local church, which is understood primarily as the monastic community gathered with their bishop, and usually joined by other monks and faithful related to the community.

The Blessing of Abbot Austin, as is tradition, will occur within the context of the eucharistic celebration, expressing the mystery of Christ's self-sacrificing service, the sacrament of his body and blood, by which the whole monastery is united.

It is recommended that the blessing occur within the three months after the election.

The Election of an Abbot
For some period of time prior to an abbatial election, the community holds a number of meetings intended to help the members ponder the future direction they would take in electing a new abbot. The election process formally begins with the president of the American Cassinese Congregation, presiding.

The first step is the nomination of candidates. After discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the various candidates, the monks proceeded to the election itself. Each monk receives and marks a ballot with the name of the man he considered best-qualified. By the rule of the Congregation, up to six ballots could be held.

After receiving the required number of votes, the elected individual is asked by the Abbot President if he would accept election. When he states that he would do so, several concluding ceremonies are held, including the profession of faith that the Church requires of major superiors. The monks then gather in the Abbey Church for a liturgical rite welcoming their new father in Christ. A more formal blessing will be held at a later date, but this ritual acknowledges the fact that, from the time of his acceptance of election, the new abbot holds all of the rights and responsibilities of his office.

RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE