Abbot Justin Brown stepping down at Saint Joseph Abbey

Abbot Justin Brown, O.S.B., the fifth abbot of Saint Joseph Abbey and a native of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, announced recently that he is stepping down from that position after nearly 22 years of service. Following is his official statement:

“For nearly 22 years I have had the honor and privilege of serving as Abbot of Saint Joseph Abbey. When I was elected on Nov. 23, 2001, as all abbots of the Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation, I was elected for an indefinite term. It is therefore incumbent upon the abbot to discern the length of his term.

“After much prayer and reflection, and in consultation with the monastic community, I believe that for the good of the abbey and me personally, now is the time for new leadership in the monastery.

“The Abbot President and Council of the Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation have accepted my resignation from the office of Abbot of Saint Joseph Abbey effective July 14, 2023. On that day, the solemnly professed monks of the abbey will elect our next abbot.

“I am grateful for the years I have served as abbot, years both challenging and rewarding, but above all, I am humbled by the trust my confreres have placed in me and grateful for God’s grace and blessings, which continue to sustain me and my brother monks in our monastic vocation in service to the church.

“I look forward to new opportunities of service here at the abbey and seminary college. Please pray for our community as we prepare to elect our next abbot.” BC

Donald and Theresa Dardar honored

Donald and Theresa Dardar were recently presented the Coastal Stewardship Award from the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL). This award recognizes those who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the coast and have made significant contributions to the preservation and restoration of Louisiana’s coastal wetlands.

Donald and Theresa Dardar are leaders in the Pointeau-Chien Indian Tribe, an Indigenous tribal community in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the Dardars were involved in distributing essential supplies, coordinating clean up and relief efforts, rebuilding homes and other structures and advocating for their community. For more than 15 years, they have collaborated with Louisiana Sea Grant to research and promote coastal resilience and sustainability. They have also partnered with CRCL to protect their culturally significant mounds through the Oyster Shell Recycling Program. BC