Election for the Sylvestrine Congregation

We are delighted to announce the election of Most Reverend Father Shamindra Jayawardena as the new Abbot General of the Sylvestrine Benedictine Congregation. This significant election took place on 28 May 2025, during a General Chapter that commenced on 15 May 2025.

This election marks several historic firsts for the Congregation:

• Father Shamindra becomes the 119th successor of Saint Sylvester Guzzolini, the founder of the monastic order.

• He is the first Sri Lankan to be elected as Abbot General.

• He is the second person from Asia to lead the Congregation.

• The General Chapter where he was elected is notably the first to be held outside of Italy in the Congregation's history.

Born on 13 January 1972, Fr. Shamindra made his first vows on 15 August 1992 and his final vows on 15 August 1998. He was ordained a priest on 21 December 2000. Prior to this election, he served as the Prior Abbot of the Sri Lanka regional province, being elected in 2013 and re-elected for a second term in 2019. He was elected as the prior abbot of Sri Lanka on 21 November 2013.

The Sylvestrine Benedictine Congregation, founded by Saint Sylvester Guzzolini in Montefano, Italy, in 1231, follows the Rule of Saint Benedict, emphasising prayer, work and community. The Congregation established its mission in Sri Lanka on 14 August 1845, a small missionary centre that eventually grew to produce its first Sri Lankan Abbot General.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Most Reverend Father Shamindra Jayawardena on his election and pray for God's blessings on his new mission.

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http://www.silvestrini.org/