abbey notes
By Br. Finnbar McEvoy, OSB
Abbey Election Update On February 28 and March 1, the monks of St. Mary’s Abbey gathered to discern and elect the 12th Abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey, on the retirement of Abbot Richard Cronin after the conclusion of his 8-year term of office. Under the leadership of Abbot John Klassen, President of the American Cassinese Congregation of Benedictine monasteries, of which St. Mary’s Abbey is a member, the monks prayerfully discerned the community’s needs, evaluated candidates, and voted. The monks then unanimously decided that they needed more time to discern the Abbey’s needs and identify who would best help them meet these needs as their next abbot. Consequently, the monks unanimously asked Abbot President John Klassen to appoint an Administrator for the Abbey, who would function as the monastery superior for a term of 3 years. Abbot John consulted with his Congregation Council and the monks of St. Mary's Abbey to identify an Administrator while Prior Edward Seton Fitton served as temporary Abbey Superior. (See update on page 79. )
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Welcome to the Church Sophomore Christian Zebrowski ’24 approached the mission and ministry office about the possibility of becoming Catholic. He was never baptized as an infant. For much of the school year, he met weekly with Mr. Matthew White, Director of Mission & Ministry, for instruction about the Catholic faith. On Holy Saturday, Christian, with his sponsor and older brother, Quinn Zebrowski ’21, pictured on right with Christian and Fr. Edward, and the Zebrowski family attended the Easter Vigil liturgy. After the
homily, Christian, with his sponsor and the congregation, was asked to affirm the baptismal promises, based upon the Apostles’ Creed. Christian, aided by Quinn, came forward, leaned over the font, and Abbey Superior Fr. Edward Seton, OSB poured the blessed water over Christian’s head. Immediately, Fr. Edward invoked the seven-fold gifts of the Holy Spirit and confirmed Christian with Sacred Chrism. As a sign of his full initiation into the Catholic Church, Christian was the first to receive Holy Communion during the service.
