FR. JONATHAN LICARI, O.S.B APPOINTED ADMINISTRATOR OF ST. MARY’S ABBEY
On Monday, May 23, 2022, Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B., President of the American Cassinese Congregation of Benedictine monasteries, appointed Fr. Jonathan Licari, O.S.B., a monk of St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota, as Administrator of St. Mary’s Abbey for a three-year term, effective August 1, 2022.
Fr. Jonathan’s wide range and depth of experience suit him especially well for role of Administrator of St. Mary’s Abbey. He holds two master’s degrees (theology and canon [Church] law, and a doctorate in canon law. Fr. Jonathan has had a 37-year ministry in administration at St. John’s Abbey, St. John’s School of Theology and St. John’s Preparatory School. Fr. Jonathan has also served as a pastor in several parishes staffed by St. John’s Abbey and has provided diocesan service in the dioceses of Duluth, and St. Cloud. Fr. Jonathan’s service at St. John’s has also included teaching and governance at St. John’s University, the Abbey’s largest educational apostolate. Most recently, Fr. Jonathan has served as administrator of Mary, Mother of the Church Abbey, Richmond, VA.
As Administrator of St. Mary’s Abbey, Fr. Jonathan holds all of the usual responsibilities and authority of the Abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey, without the title of “Abbot.” His chief responsibility will be to aid the monks of St. Mary’s Abbey as they plan for their future and discern what kind of person they wish to serve as their permanent abbot. Together with the monastic community, Fr. Jonathan will determine when the next abbatial election will take place.