Federation News

Benedictine Presidents Meet

On April 25, 2012 the Presidents of the Benedictine men's and women's Federations met at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, IL for their bi-annual meeting.  Pictured above, in order, are Sister Christine Vladimiroff, President of the Conference of Benedictine Prioresses, from Mount St. Benedict Monastery, Erie, PA; Sister Pat Nyquist, Prioress General Congregation of Perpetual Adoration, Clyde, MO; Sister Joella Kidwell, President of the Federation of St. Gertrude, from Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, IN; Abbot Vincente Bataille, President of the Swiss-American Congregation, from Marmion Abbey, Aurora, IL; Sister Glenna Smith, President of the Federation of St. Scholastica, from St. Benedict Monastery, Bristow, VA; Abbot Hugh Anderson, President of the American Cassinese Congregation, from St. Procopius Abbey, Lisle, IL; Sister Susan Hutchens, President of the Federation of St. Benedict, from St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, IL; and Abbot Caedmon Holmes,  Representative of the Non-U.S. Federated monasteries, from Portsmouth Abbey, Portsmouth, RI.

Sister Christine Vladimiroff led the meeting which focused on current challenges faced by all American Benedictine communities today. The care of members from Formation through advanced age, particularly those in communities in transition due to closings or mergers, was of special interest.  At times the conversation was lively and at other times sobering.  All expressed gratitude at being able to share the wisdom of Benedict, and to recognize the care we all have for one another in our monastic communities.