By Fr. Matthew Clark, O.S.B.

The election of an abbot is one of the most consequential events in the life any monastic community. The Rule of St. Benedict devotes a great deal of space to the abbot – his requisite qualities, his election, his duties and conduct.

For the monks of Saint Joseph Abbey, the gravity of the upcoming election of a new abbot is compounded by the relative rarity of an abbatial election for them. Consider that Conception Abbey in Missouri, just 16 years older than Saint Joseph, has elected 10 abbots, and Mt. Angel Abbey in Oregon, two years younger, has elected 13 abbots in its history. Saint Joseph Abbey, in contrast, has elected five abbots in 134 years.

The election of our sixth abbot is understandably the subject of a great deal of interest and speculation. Besides the number one question, “Who might it be?”, the second most asked is, “How is an abbot elected?”

The procedure is found in the Constitutions of the Swiss American Congregation, the branch of the Order of Saint Benedict to which Saint Joseph belongs.

The monks who have made their final vows make up the monastery’s chapter and have voting rights on a number of issues, including the election of the new abbot. Following the Constitutions, our chapter has decided to meet the day before the election and engage in an exercise called the scrutinium, a Latin term meaning “scrutiny” in the sense of “careful consideration.” The capitulars (chapter members) will take a straw vote and then discuss – in a spirit of fraternal charity – the qualities of that vote’s leading candidates. Then they will rest for the night.

The chapter will convene for the election next Friday morning, July 14, following a Mass of the Holy Spirit. The election is carried out by secret ballot, and all capitulars are eligible to receive votes. A series of ballots are taken until a new abbot is elected, by two-thirds majority on the first three ballots and by simple majority on the remainder.

Normally, the election is conducted by the Abbot President of the Congregation. However, because Abbot Justin is the newly-elected Abbot President, he cannot conduct the election for his own monastery. Abbot Benedict Neenan of Conception Abbey will preside.

When the sixth abbot is elected, the entire monastic community will proceed to the Abbey Church for Midday Prayer and thanksgiving to God and for the sign of peace with which the monks welcome and pledge allegiance to the new abbot. All of this will be followed by a private luncheon for the monastic community.

This rare event ensures that Saint Joseph Abbey continues its mission as a school of the Lord’s service in prayer and apostolates for years to come.