To the Saint Anselm community,
Today, I am sharing news about a significant moment in the life of the Saint Anselm monastic community: In May, Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B. ’71 H.D. ’04, chancellor of Saint Anselm College, will reach the age of 75. Following the Constitution of the American-Cassinese Congregation, made up of autonomous Benedictine monasteries including Saint Anselm Abbey, Abbot Mark has submitted his resignation as abbot, effective April 30.
The Abbey made the formal announcement today. An abbatial election will take place April 29-30 in which members of the Abbey Corporation, which includes monks who have professed solemn vows, will elect the next abbot. To become abbot, a monk must be in solemn vows for seven years and be at least 30 years of age.
Fr. Mark was selected by his confreres in June 2012 to become the fifth abbot of Saint Anselm Abbey, taking over from Abbot Matthew Leavy, O.S.B., who had been abbot for the previous 27 years. Prior to his election, Abbot Mark managed the Abbey and college finances for 33 years and was set to retire as treasurer and vice president of financial affairs.
The Abbot President, Jonathan Licari, O.S.B., will oversee the abbatial election and Fr. Francis McCarty, O.S.B. ’10, will serve as election secretary. The members of the election steering committee include Fr. Augustine Kelly, O.S.B. ’83, Fr. Benet Phillips, O.S.B. ‘87, Br. Andrew Thorton, O.S.B. and Br. Isaac Murphy, O.S.B. On March 12 and 20, the members of the steering committee will offer presentations for the college community about the process of an abbatial election. More details about the presentations will be shared soon.
Let us join the members of the monastic community as they enter a period of prayer in preparation for the election of an abbot.
Warmly,
Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D.
President