Spring Break
Stability Has Unique Meaning to Roving Benedictine Ambassador
By Gregory W. Wallace
When a novice monk himself, Abbot Notker Wolf, O.S.B., took the standard Benedictine vows: obedience, conversion of life, and stability.
Now, the abbot primate of the worldwide Benedictine confederation keeps his suitcase packed and frequent flier miles close at hand. For the man who spends up to two-thirds of the year traveling worldwide as a multi-lingual ambassador of Catholicism and Benedictine values, stability has a different connotation.
"Stability means belonging to a family," Abbot Notker told the Crier in an exclusive interview. He accepted an invitation from college president Fr. Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., to attend an academic convocation celebrating the 900th anniversary of the Saint Anselm's death.
His family is large, indeed; worldwide, there are 21 Benedictine monasteries and approximately 8,000 monks, according to the college.
In his travels, Abbot Notker regularly visits Benedictine monasteries and churches. But he said his favorite visits are to Benedictine colleges and universities, which have a distinct feel.
"There is something special about Benedictine colleges," he said. "They give you an atmosphere of belonging to the great Benedictine family."
The Saint Anselm monastic community and college especially impressed the college; both the Benedictines and "the lay people here are committed so much to the school and the students," he said.
After attending the academic convocation and reception, Abbot Notker joined students for an evening in the pub. An accomplished musician and member of the Christian rock band Feedback, he brought his flute and joined the jazz band for several songs. Speaking after a brunch with trustees the next day, Abbot Notker said spending time with students was a highlight of the weekend.
"I enjoyed this [visit] very much so, especially last night to be in the pub with young people," Abbot Notker said.
Ministering to young people is an important part the job of Abbot Primate, he said, to which he was just reelected for a second eight-year term. When traveling the world, he tells young adults to take to heart lessons of Benedictine life.
Now, the abbot primate of the worldwide Benedictine confederation keeps his suitcase packed and frequent flier miles close at hand. For the man who spends up to two-thirds of the year traveling worldwide as a multi-lingual ambassador of Catholicism and Benedictine values, stability has a different connotation.
"Stability means belonging to a family," Abbot Notker told the Crier in an exclusive interview. He accepted an invitation from college president Fr. Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., to attend an academic convocation celebrating the 900th anniversary of the Saint Anselm's death.
His family is large, indeed; worldwide, there are 21 Benedictine monasteries and approximately 8,000 monks, according to the college.
In his travels, Abbot Notker regularly visits Benedictine monasteries and churches. But he said his favorite visits are to Benedictine colleges and universities, which have a distinct feel.
"There is something special about Benedictine colleges," he said. "They give you an atmosphere of belonging to the great Benedictine family."
The Saint Anselm monastic community and college especially impressed the college; both the Benedictines and "the lay people here are committed so much to the school and the students," he said.
After attending the academic convocation and reception, Abbot Notker joined students for an evening in the pub. An accomplished musician and member of the Christian rock band Feedback, he brought his flute and joined the jazz band for several songs. Speaking after a brunch with trustees the next day, Abbot Notker said spending time with students was a highlight of the weekend.
"I enjoyed this [visit] very much so, especially last night to be in the pub with young people," Abbot Notker said.
Ministering to young people is an important part the job of Abbot Primate, he said, to which he was just reelected for a second eight-year term. When traveling the world, he tells young adults to take to heart lessons of Benedictine life.
This article was published on 12/11/09 in the News section.
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