By Peter Finney Jr., Clarion Herald
(Reprinted With Permission)
A rare and solemn liturgy Sept. 17 in Covington – an "abbatial blessing" – marked the beginning of the new ministry of Abbot Gregory Boquet as the leader of the Benedictine monks of St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College.
Reading from the second chapter of the Rule of St. Benedict – who founded the monastic community in the sixth century – Archbishop Gregory Aymond encouraged Abbot Gregory, 65, to be a servant leader as prescribed by his community's founder.
"The abbot must never teach or decree or command anything that would deviate from the Lord's instructions," Archbishop Aymond read as Abbot Gregory stood before the altar inside St. Joseph Abbey Church, surrounded by his family and the Benedictine community. "On the contrary, everything he teaches and commands should, like the leaven of divine justice, permeate the minds of his disciples.
"Furthermore, anyone who receives the name of abbot is to lead his disciples by a twofold teaching: he must point out to them all that is good and holy, more by example than by words. ... The abbot must know that anyone undertaking the charge of souls must be ready to account for them. Whatever the number of brothers he has in his care, let him realize that on judgment day, he will surely have to submit a reckoning to the Lord for all their souls, and indeed for his own as well."
Abbot Gregory, who entered the Benedictine community in 1976 and professed vows in 1982, had served as rector of St. Joseph Seminary College for the last 25 years.
He thanked the archbishop for his support and friendship and gave particular thanks to three groups: the Benedictine monastic community, especially his predecessor Abbot Justin Brown; the seminary community; and his family.
He emphasized that his election as abbot had nothing to do about himself. He was elected July 14 by a vote of the 23 professed members of the Benedictine community.
"It's not about me, it's about the (office of) abbot," Abbot Gregory said. "An abbot is temporary. One day I'll go back into my community as 'Father Gregory,' which I'll appreciate.”
St. Joseph Seminary College is the pre-theologate for men discerning a vocation to the priesthood.
"For 25 years, I worked in the seminary, and you all made me who I am," Abbot Gregory said. "We couldn't do this ministry without the strong devotion of the staff. As abbot, I will support you always, 100 percent.”
Then he turned to his family, which included his mother Dorothy.
"When I go home, you call me Mark," Abbot Gregory said, referring to his birth name. "You tell me who I am. As abbot, I will never forget who I am. It's not about me. It's about letting God do for me – for however many years I have. As Archbishop Aymond reflected so profoundly, it about the 'rule' and about an 'abbot' – it's not about Gregory. And, for this time, I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I thank all the people who have journeyed with me."
Abbot Justin had served as abbot for the last 22 years, and announced in June that he was stepping down to allow for the election of a new abbot.
Abbot Justin’s two immediate predecessors also served lengthy terms. Abbot David Melancon led the community from 1957-1982, and Abbot Patrick Regan served from 1982-2001.
Abbot Gregory is just the sixth abbot to lead the Benedictine community in its 134-year history.