Synod of Abbots

Abbot Vincent Bataille, the Abbot President of our Congregation, recently attended the annual meeting of Abbot Presidents in Abadia del Tepeyac, Mexico. Of the 19 Benedictine congregations, 17 were represented at this meeting. Abbot Primate Gregory, the leading Abbot  of the Benedictine Order and originally a member our congregation, highlighted the importance of good human formation in our communities. The Motu Proprio "Vos Estis Lux Mundi," which sets up a system of reporting cases of abuse and neglect, was presented to the Synod as well.

The Abbot Primate also gave a status report of Sant Anselmo, the Benedictine University in Rome.  Various fundraising and renovation projects are being planned or are underway, and he urged the use of the university's new 13 week program for Formators. Some Russian Orthodox have come to Sant Anselmo for conversation, dialogue, and fraternity on three separate occasions. Also, since the issuing of the document "For Orans," there has been increased cooperation between the men and women of the Benedictine Order.

In addition to tending to the business of Synod, the participating Abbots also enjoyed an outing to the Old Basilica of Guadeloupe, where they concelebrated mass and enjoyed beautiful music provided by a small orchestra and choir. The outing concluded with dinner with the local Benedictine sisters and more music.