On July 29, bells rang out over the St. Bernard campus in Cullman to announce the election of the Right Rev. Brendan John Seipel, O.S.B., as the Abbot of St. Bernard Abbey. Abbot Seipel becomes the eleventh abbot in St. Bernard’s 135-year history.

The election process began on June 15, when the monks gathered in the Abbey Church to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit, invoking the Paraclete’s wisdom and guidance throughout the election process. The Right Rev. Jonathan R. Licari, O.S.B., abbot president of the American-Cassinese Congregation of Benedictine Monks, was the principal celebrant for the Mass and presided at the election, in which the monks in solemn vows took part. After temporarily recessing the election chapter until canonical recourse could be made to the Holy See, Abbot Licari reopened the election chapter on July 29, when Abbot Seipel was formally elected and confirmed as abbot.

Immediately following the election chapter, the monks gathered for a service of thanksgiving in the Abbey Church, at which Abbot Seipel presided. Joining the monks were the Bishop Steven J. Raica, Bishop Emeritus Robert J. Baker, priests of the diocese, Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, and lay faithful who came to give thanks to God.

Abbot Seipel assumes responsibility as spiritual and temporal leader of St. Bernard immediately. As is customary, the formal blessing of the new abbot will take place in the coming months.

Abbot Seipel, a native of Lanesville, Indiana, entered St. Bernard Abbey in 2002 and professed vows as a Benedictine monk on March 21, 2004. Over the years, he has served as guest master, director of the St. Boniface Retreat Center, director of the Abbey Farm, a member of the Senior Council, and as subprior and prior.

For Bishop Raica's message of welcome, please visit here.