theleaven.com | vol. 34, no. 21 | january 11, 2013
St. Benedict’s Abbey elects new abbot n Abbot James Albers praises influence of family, monastic community
What is an abbatial election?
By Vaughn Kohler Special to The Leaven
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TCHISON — When James Albers was a boy in Bendena, his parents would often point to his longtime parish pastor, Benedictine Father Augustine Rottering, as a shining example of the joyous experience of religious life. “My mom and dad would often say ‘Look at Father Augustine,’” he said. “‘Doesn’t he look happy being a monk and priest?’” Years later, when Albers entered the monastery, he was the youngest member of the St. Benedict’s Abbey community — and Father Augustine was the oldest. “On my first day in the monastery, he pulled me aside,” he recalled. “He said, ‘I’ve been praying for this for a long time.’” Now, Father Augustine has reason to be prouder still. On Dec. 28, 2012, the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison elected Father James Robert Albers, OSB, their ninth abbot. If you asked Abbot James how he came to that position, he would be quick to say he has accomplished nothing on his own. God brought him to that place in his life because of the love and support of others. “I owe so much to my family,” he said, “not just my biological family, but also my confreres at St. Benedict’s Abbey.” Abbot James was born in Ost, a small town west of Wichita, but grew up northwest of Atchison in Bendena, where his family belonged to St. Benedict Parish. He graduated from Midway-Denton High School in 1990 and Benedictine College in 1994. He entered the novitiate at St. Benedict’s Abbey in December 1995 and made his first profession on Dec. 8, 1996. Three years later, he made his solemn >> See “New” on page 5
Photo by JD Benning
An abbatial election is a democratic process in which the monastic community gathers to cast ballots to elect a new abbot, the spiritual father of the community. To prepare for the election, monks pray for discernment, read to become more acquainted with the process, and dedicate their prayers to God’s blessing on the election. In addition, a committee is appointed to oversee the process, and presenters from outside the abbey are invited to address the community on questions like “What kind of elector should a monk be?” or “What kind of electee should the future abbot be?” The actual election is a twoday process. It begins with prayer; confirmation of the officials of the election and voting members; the naming of proxies for those absent; roll call; the taking of oaths; and the naming of candidates. On the evening of the first day, there is a nominating ballot. Each monk may name two candidates by secret ballot. No candidate is allowed to campaign for votes. The community discusses each nominated candidate to see who, they believe, has the qualities necessary to lead the abbey. On the second day, after the Mass of the Holy Spirit, the official voting process begins. Once the man is elected, the choice is left to him whether or not to take on the role. It is not forced upon anyone. After he accepts and the election is confirmed, he is immediately the new abbot. The community goes to the church for a thanksgiving service. Abbot James will receive the liturgical abbatial blessing from Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann on March 17.
Father James Albers was elected as the ninth abbot of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison on Dec. 28, 2012. He succeeds Abbot Barnabas Senecal who served in that role for 16 years.
Calling all fish fries
Because of space constraints, The Leaven does not list Lenten fish fries in the calendar during Lent. However, a full page of archdiocesan fish fries will appear — all ready to be clipped and saved — in the Feb. 8 edition of The Leaven. Fish fry notices should be emailed to: todd@theleaven.com. The deadline is Jan. 29. Keep notices to less than 40 words. Please do not include full menus.
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