Abbot-President Elias Lorenzo, OSB presided and preached at mass on Monday, June 17, during the 53rd General Chapter of the American-Cassinese Congregation at St. Anselm Abbey in Manchester, New Hampshire.

The General Chapter is a forum for abbots and delegates to discuss issues affecting the Congregation. For this Chapter, at which our own Abbot Richard Cronin, OSB and Brother Paul Diveny, OSB are also present, the agenda includes a discussion of the apostolic exhortation, Christus vivit, on youth, faith, and vocational discernment. The abbots and delegates will be drafting a "Benedictine Response" to Christus vivit for use in parishes, schools, colleges, and universities sponsored by the monasteries of the American-Cassinese Congregation.

Dr. Elizabeth Drescher of Santa Clara University and Mr. Curtis Martin, founder of FOCUS (Fellowship Of Catholic University Students), are the keynote speakers. In addition, a panel of junior monks will address the General Chapter from their perspectives as ‘millennials’ in the Church.

The canonical affairs commission of the Congregation will also present two proposals for consideration: 1) the possibility of non-ordained abbots and 2) sabbaticals for abbots. The mutual assistance committee will present a report on their deliberations and projects over the past three years.

Thank you to St. Anselm Abbey for hosting the 53rd General Chapter of the American-Cassinese Congregation. Please join us in praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for all involved!