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The Synod of Abbot Presidents met in Montserrat, 15–19 September, uniting Benedictine leaders in prayer, fraternity and dialogue. Highlights included collaboration with the CIB and preparations for the Benedictine Jubilee of 2029. The Synod of the Abbot Presidents convened at Montserrat, 15-19 September, gathering the leaders of the Benedictine Confederation for days of deliberation, fraternity and shared prayer. Two new members were present: Abbot Javier Aparicio of the Ottilien Congregation and Abbot Jayawardena Shamindra of the Silvestrine Congregation. Their presence brought fresh voices and perspectives into the conversations. Reports from the Abbot Primate and the individual congregations gave a clear picture of the diversity of situations faced by Benedictine monasteries across the world, ranging from flourishing communities to those facing serious challenges. A highlight of the Synod was the shared day with the Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum (CIB), the global organisation of Benedictine nuns and sisters. The atmosphere was great, and many topics of mutual concern were discussed. Sister Lynn McKenzie offered an overview of the CIB’s latest developments, which include new initiatives for formation and the institutional development of the CIB into a stronger organisation. The shared day also featured a presentation on preparations for the Benedictine Jubilee of 2029, marking 15 centuries since Saint Benedict established Montecassino. It was given by Adam Simon, the global jubilee coordinator. His talk captured the imagination of those present, outlining both the vision and the practical steps needed to prepare an international celebration of Benedictine life and witness. Following the presentation, participants divided into discussion groups, where they explored ideas for how the Jubilee might be lived out locally and globally. These conversations were paired with a second theme: the reality of fragile communities. The assembled leaders reflected together on pastoral, canonical and practical ways to accompany monasteries that are struggling, seeking strategies that combine solidarity with realism. The Synod also included an outing beyond Montserrat, when the participants traveled together to Barcelona. The day allowed them to visit the Hospital Sant Pau, a modernist masterpiece by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, and to experience the grandeur and spiritual depth of the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s still-unfinished basilica. Sharing the day in the city deepened the bonds among the abbot presidents and reminded them of the ways in which Benedictine life is nourished by art, architecture and the wider cultural heritage of the places where monasteries are rooted. By the end of the Synod, many participants felt reinvigorated with a renewed sense of unity, purpose and hope. The joint sessions with the CIB revealed how much strength can be drawn from collaboration between the two branches of the order. The Jubilee of 2029, though still on the horizon, already emerged as a galvanizing focus for the entire Benedictine family. The days in Montserrat left the Abbot Presidents more deeply connected in their shared mission of service to the monastic communities entrusted to their care. osb.org

For the first time since 2011, the International Commission on Benedictine Education (ICBE) held a youth congress at Sant’Anselmo in Rome, 20–25 September. More than 30 students took part, representing Chile, Brazil, South Africa, the Philippines, Australia, Austria, Germany and the United States. The gathering brought students together for prayer, shared experiences of Benedictine education across cultures, and visits to places significant for Benedictine history, as well as glimpses of the city of Rome. After Sunday Mass, participants shared their vision of Benedictine life in their own traditions, before spending the afternoon at local sites. On Monday, following morning prayer and Mass, the group visited San Benedetto in Piscinula, where Saint Benedict once lived. After a moment of prayer and reflection, the day continued with stops at Santa Cecilia, Santa Maria in Trastevere, San Crisogono and Saint Paul outside the Walls, ending with a welcome from Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder. Tuesday was dedicated to Subiaco, with visits to Sacro Speco and the monastery of Santa Scholastica. Wednesday began with the papal audience, followed by entry through the Holy Door and a visit to Saint Peter’s Basilica. After eating a packed lunch, the day continued with Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colosseum, before returning to Sant’Anselmo — gelato in hand. The congress closed with a Mass celebrated by Abbot Jeremias, and an evening of recreation where each regional group offered a song or dance from their culture. Students and teachers received a copy of the Rule of Saint Benedict, which they filled with messages of friendship from their new companions. It is no surprise that the students felt such strong connections, strengthened by shared prayer, meals, conversations, music and the unforgettable experience of visiting sites central to Benedictine life in Rome. osb.org https://benedictineeducation.org/

On 3 October 2025, Father Mauritius Wilde has been appointed by the Holy See as the new Abbot of Maria Laach. We congratulate the new abbot and also the community of Maria Laach. From 2016 to 2025, Fr. Mauritius served as prior of our house community of more than 100 monks, students, and professors. Abbot Mauritius is 59 years old. He comes from Münsterschwarzach Abbey in Franconia, which belongs to the Congregation of Missionary Benedictines of Saint Ottilien. Before his service in Rome, he was prior in the United States and director of the well-regarded Vier-Türme-Verlag in Münsterschwarzach. For the Abbey of Maria Laach, member of the Beuronese Congregation, the appointment of Abbot Mauritius marks the end of several years of exceptional circumstances. Most recently, Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke OSB of Eichstätt and Abbot Barnabas Bögle OSB of Ettal were responsible for the abbey as apostolic visitors. Abbot Jeremias Schröder OSB, Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Confederation, commented on the appointment: “For us at Sant’Anselmo this is a loss. But we are also glad that the important Abbey of Maria Laach is now receiving regular leadership again and can begin a new chapter in its monastic history. We thank all those who have cared for Maria Laach in recent years for their efforts, and we wish the new abbot and his confreres God’s blessing!” osb.org https://maria-laach.de/

On 7 Oktober 2025,  Mother Pascale Fourmentin  completed her six-year term as Abbess of Arnhem (Diocese of Utraiectensis, in The Netherlands). On the same day, she was re-elected Abbess of the Community for an indefinite term. ocso.org https://abdijkoningsoord.org/

On October 7, 2025, at a meeting at Wilhering Abbey, Abbot Dr. Pius Maurer of Lilienfeld Abbey was elected as the new Abbot-President of the Austrian Cistercian Congregation. It was also decided that Abbot Dr. Reinhold Dessl of Wilhering Abbey would remain First Assistant, and Fr. Dr. Meinrad Tomann of Heiligenkreuz Abbey would remain Second Assistant. Abbot Pius Maurer (born 1971) comes from the parish of Unterdürnbach in the municipality of Maissau (Weinviertel). After graduating from high school in Hollabrunn, he entered the Cistercian Abbey of Lilienfeld in 1989. He studied in Heiligenkreuz, Rome, and Jerusalem. He has been a priest since 1996 and Abbot of Lilienfeld Abbey since 2019. He is a visiting professor at Heiligenkreuz University and, in collaboration with his fellow monks, serves as parish pastor in Lilienfeld, Eschenau, Traisen, and Wilhelmsburg. Since 2022, he has been a member of the Council of the Abbot General of the Cistercian Order. ocist.org

We are pleased to announce that today, September 17, 2025, the feast day of Saint Hildegard of Bingen, Father Ignatius FRITSCH OCist was elected the 53rd Abbot of Marienstatt (Germany). The Abbot's blessing will take place on Sunday, 26 October 2025, at 10:30 a.m. ocist.org https://www.abtei-marienstatt.de/

From September 5–7, 2025, the Benedictine Abbey of Lubiń celebrated the 450th anniversary of the birth of the Servant of God, Fr. Bernard of Wąbrzeźno OSB. The Jubilee was combined with the meeting of the superiors of the Benedictine family from Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine. During these days, the Lubiń monastery hosted the superiors of the Benedictine nuns from Staniątki, Żarnowiec, Przemyśl, Jarosław, Krzeszów, Wołów, and Lviv-Solonka; the Benedictine monks from Tyniec, Biskupów, and Sampor, together with Fr. Maksymilian Nawara OSB, Abbot President of the Congregation of the Annunciation; the Benedictine-Sacramentine nuns from Warsaw and Siedlce; the Camaldolese nuns from Złoczew and the Camaldolese monks from Bieniszewo; as well as the general superiors of the Benedictine Missionary Sisters, the Benedictine Samaritan Sisters, and the Loretanki Sisters. The three-day gathering included the annual pilgrimage to the grave of Fr. Bernard, which brings together several hundred faithful, a lecture by Rev. Dr. Grzegorz Strzelczyk on the role and ministry of authority in the synodal Church, and the visit of Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi, Apostolic Nuncio to Poland. The Servant of God Fr. Bernard of Wąbrzeźno (1575–1603), born Błażej Pęcherek, was a Benedictine monk of the Abbey of Lubiń. From an early age, he was marked by deep faith, charity toward others, and a particular devotion to the Passion of Christ and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. After completing his studies, he entered the monastery at Lubiń, where he was soon appointed master of novices. He became a model of fervor in prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and service to others. Although he lived only 28 years, his holy life and dedication to God led to his being held in veneration immediately after his death, and even today the faithful continue to obtain graces through his intercession. The beatification process of the Servant of God Fr. Bernard of Wąbrzeźno OSB, reopened for the third time on June 10, 2011, concerns the confirmation of his “ancient cult.” Despite the passage of four centuries since his death, the renown of his holiness endures to this day. In 2024, a new postulator was appointed, and this year the Historical Commission was renewed. At present, the process is in the final stage of the diocesan phase and is nearing completion. annuntiatio.org https://www.benedyktyni.net/aktualnosci/wydarzenia/109190/jubileusz-450-rocznicy-urodzin-slugi-bozego-o-bernarda-z-wabrzezna-osb#1

On 30 September 2025, Mother Katharina Michiels completed her six-year term as Abbess of Nazareth (Diocese of Antwerp, Belgium). On the same day, she was re-elected Abbess of the Community for a new six-year term. ocso.org

September 24, 2025, we joyfully marked the 140th Foundation Anniversary of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing. The Community had a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder, OSB. Followed by a festive common breakfast. In the afternoon at 2:00, the whole Congregation had a synchronized prayer and the launch of the Togo Community. With the theme “Rekindling the Gift of God as Pilgrims of Hope,” we remembered with gratitude the vision of our founder, Fr. Andreas Amrhein, OSB, and the faith of our pioneering Sisters who set out on mission in 1885. Their courage continues to inspire us today as we walk together in prayer, community, and service. To rekindle the gift of God is to let His Spirit renew our hearts; to be pilgrims of hope is to walk with trust and joy into the future. As we celebrate this milestone, we commit ourselves anew to living our Benedictine missionary vocation — rooted in Christ, united in community, and sent in service of the Gospel. The celebration concluded in the evening with a Community recreation followed by Compline. osbtutzing.org

On the morning of September 18, 2025, the Dominus Tecum monastic community of Pra 'd Mill (Italy) reelected Brother Emanuele Marigliano as prior, confirming him for a further 10-year term. May the Lord accompany the community's journey and Brother Emanuele's service. ocist.org

The Holy Father has officially confirmed the election by the monastic chapter of Einsiedeln Abbey of the Reverend Fr. Urban Federer , OSB, as ordinary Abbot of the Territorial Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln, Switzerland. The election took place on 30 August 2025, and Fr. Federer was chosen for a second term, also of 12 years. This marks a historic moment: for the first time in the Abbey’s history an incumbent abbot has been re-elected. Born 17 August 1968 in Zürich-Fluntern, in the Diocese of Chur, Abbot Urban made his solemn profession in 1992, was ordained in 1994, and holds advanced degrees in German literature, history and medieval German studies from the University of Fribourg. He has also taught religion, history and German in the Abbey school, lectured in spirituality and Gregorian chant at the Abbey’s theological institute, and served in roles including Prior, vicar general and director of the monastic choir. The community of Einsiedeln has already marked the re-election with a liturgy on 13 September, during which the monks presented the traditional homagium, a gesture of obedience and fraternity offered to their abbot. A solemn thanksgiving liturgy will follow on 4 October 2025 in the abbey church at 14:00, to which all are welcome. osb.org https://www.kloster-einsiedeln.ch

On 11 September 2025 the community of Melk Abbey (Austria) elected Fr Ludwig Wenzl as their 68th abbot. The election was presided over by Abbot President Johannes Perkmann. Abbot Ludwig succeeds Abbot Georg Wilfinger, who has led the Abbey since 2001. Born Karl Wenzl in 1985 in Waidhofen an der Ybbs, the new abbot entered Melk in 2011 and made his solemn profession in 2014. He was ordained priest in 2021. Within the Abbey he has worked in education, culture and tourism, and has been responsible for the archives and collections. The community entrusted him with a 12-year mandate, confirmed in the traditional rite of handshake and sign of peace. Abbot Ludwig will formally take office on 7 November 2025. osb.org https://www.stiftmelk.at/aktuelles-events/aktuelles/p-ludwig-wenzl-osb-wurde-zum-68-abt-des-benediktinerstiftes-melk-gewaehlt/