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Vocation Structure of the Abbeys

 

An abbey is a local community and a fundamental unit of the order. Every community of monks or nuns elects an abbot or abbess who ensures the service of authority. An abbot is elected for a six year renewable mandate, or for an indeterminate period of time; in the latter case the abbot may serve until the age of 75 years. The abbot’s role is thus described in our Constitutions: "He is believed to act in the monastery as Christ’s representative. He ministers to the whole community as a father in both spiritual and temporal matters." (C.33,1)

The abbot selects suitable assistants for the various offices of the monastery: Prior, sub-prior, Master of Novices, cellarer, etc. The abbot is also assisted by a Council composed of some of the brothers. Certain important decisons on matters affecting the welfare of the community are taken by consulting the vote of all the solemnly professed members of the community.