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Blessing of an Abbess is a rare event, and an unforgettable one.
It has taken place twice in the history of Regina Laudis. The first
time was on February 10, 1976, when the monastery became an Abbey
and the Foundress, the Right Reverend Mother
Benedict Duss, O.S.B., became its first abbess. Twenty-five
years later, on May 13, 2001, the Rite of Blessing was conferred
on the Right Reverend Mother David Serna, O.S.B. by Archbishop Daniel
Cronin. |
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ancient rite of the Blessing of an Abbess, dating back to the
seventh century and maintained in the original Latin, has several
key elements, beginning with the presentation of the abbess-elect
to the Archbishop by a designated member of the community. Then
the Archbishop asks the abbess-elect a series of questions establishing
her understanding of the obligation she is about to undertake
and her willingness to carry it out to the full. To each question
she responds with a simple “Volo:” I will.
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this, the abbess-elect prostrates before the altar while the community
and congregation sing the Litany of the Saints, imploring the intercession
of the saints on her behalf. Only then does the abbess-elect receive
the solemn prayer of consecration which the Archbishop sings with
outstretched hands above her. Finally, he presents to the new abbess
a copy of the Rule
of St. Benedict, by which she is to govern the monastery
entrusted to her care, and he places a ring on her right hand. |
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Mother Abbess David was led back to her place by her assistants,
the whole congregation and community joined in sustained spontaneous
applause, giving voice to the unanimous acclamation and support
of all present. Mother Abbess spoke briefly in response, thanking
all who participated in bringing the community to this day of blessing
and closing with the words, “Pray for us every day.” At the
end of Mass, Mother Abbess was led by Archbishop Cronin back to
her abbatial seat within the enclosure, where each member of the
community went to greet her and receive the Kiss of Peace. |
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The story of my journey into contemplative life is a complex
one. Early in my life in the monastery I was given much responsibility
and I grew to take on more and more, especially when a whole
generation of the first Americans began leaving the monastery
after Vatican II. This story is one of helping to form the next
generation of monastic women and making the transition from
a French culture to an American one. Perhaps I have been prepared
by my genealogy, my education, and my work with the Puerto Ricans
of New York City. God knows it has been a struggle, but if I
am still here it is because here the truth of the Mystery of
the Incarnation was revealed to me in personal love and dedication.
Rt.
Rev. Mother David Serna, O.S.B., Abbess
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