Today, September 2, 2008, will mark the opening of the General Chapter of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (the Trappists) in Assisi and will remain in session until September 23rd.
What a great place to meet!
For the Abbots and Abbesses in General Chapter this is an important moment for the Order and the Church, but this Chapter’s importance lies in the fact that they will be saying good bye to the current Abbot General, Dom Bernardo Olivera, after 18 years in office. He will submit his resignation and return to his home monastery. It is presumed that the Chapter will accept Dom Bernardo’s request to resign; an election of his successor will follow.
You can follow the progress of the Mixed General Meeting (MGM) by visiting the blog or visit the Order’s website.
Let’s pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the deliberations of the Trappist abbots and abbesses. And after the election of Dom Bernardo’s successor we’ll raise a pint of beer to honor both.
All Cistercian saints and blesseds, pray for the Chapter.