On the Feast of Saint Benedict, 11 July 2019, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin visited Monte Oliveto Maggiore to commemorate the abbey's 700th anniversary. Read story here. 

Dom Guillermo León Arboleda Tamayo OSB, Abbot President of the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation, is one of the new religious Members appointed to the Vatican Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. More details here.

Bishop Viktor Dammertz OSB, Abbot Primate Emeritus, celebrated nine decades of life and ministry during a simple but beautiful Mass at the Archabbey of Sankt Ottilien on Saturday, 8 June 2019. See details here.

Father Antony Puthenpurackal OSB of Saint Joseph's Conventual Priory Makkiyad, India, has been elected as the new Abbot General of the Sylvestrine Congregation. See details here.

The Rector of the Pontifical Ateneo Sant'Anselmo in Rome was elected abbot of Praglia on May 24. EN and IT

Stefano Visintin, il Rettore Magnifico del Pontificio Ateneo di Sant'Anselmo è stato eletto abate di Praglia il 24 maggio. IT e EN

On 25 March 2019, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, Bishop Arthur Serratelli of Paterson, New Jersey (USA) signed and sealed a decree that opens “the informative process for Beatification and Canonization” of Servant of God, Brother Marinus LaRue OSB. See details here.

On Thursday 21 March 2019, the Abbey of Montecassino celebrated the Solemnity of the Transitus of Saint Benedict, Father of Western Monasticism. See story, homily of Cardinal Becciù, articles, and photos here.

On 1 February, the Benedictine Congregation of Saint Mary of Monte Oliveto elevated two monasteries to the rank of abbey. The new abbeys of St Bernard Tolomei in South Korea and Holy Cross in Northern Ireland subsequently elected two new abbots. Story here.

The Benedictine Commission on China brings together representatives from Benedictine monasteries throughout the world to exchange information about the work of their communities related to China and to discuss cooperation on projects for China. This year the meeting was held on 9 March at Sant'Anselmo. Story and photo links here.

From 22-26 February 2019, Saint Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama (USA) hosted the quadrennial meeting of Benedictine Abbots and Prioresses.  More than 75 monastic superiors representing more than 2,700 Benedictine men and women in the Americas attended the meeting. More details here.