Sant’ Anselmo hosted the Congress of Abbots September 18-27, 2008. The congress, held every four years, gathers the abbots of all Benedictine monasteries, the abbot presidents of all Benedictine congregations, and the priors of dependent houses. The are approximately 260 monastic communities and approximately 230 persons attended the congress.
Abbesses of Benedictine monasteries and representatives from their congregations also attended along with those sisters who represented the Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum.
American Cassinese Congregation President Abbot Timothy Kelly, O.S.B., attended. Father Michael Naughton, O.S.B., prior of Sant’ Anselmo, presented a report. Students of Sant’ Anselmo come from 48 countries, and most are Benedictines and Cistercians. Divine Office is prayed in Italian and the daily Eucharist is celebrated by respective language groups.
Father William Skudlarek, O.S.B., gave a report on the work of the Monastic Interreligious Dialog.
Abbot Primate Notker Wolf, O.S.B., was re-elected for his third four-year term. The Congress also created an Abbot Primate’s Council, made up of three abbot presidents, the prior, and the rector of Sant’ Anselmo and two community treasurers.