--- Page 1 ---
guilay

--- Page 2 ---
ment , no small profit accrued to the Church and people of God .
It seems fitting them to advance this house of Glenstal of the
Order of St. Benedict to the honour of an Abbev. so that , in a
recommendation of the Sacred Congregation of Religious , by our
were created bishops , and nurtured the Rock of the faithful :
ingly erect the the Conventual Priory of Saints Joseph and
of the Blessed Virgin Mary , of the Order of St. Benedict , pet-
The Apostolic Brief Insula Sanctorum of His Holiness Pope
Columba of Glenstal be raised to that dignity . In accordance
with our own affection for the sons of St. Benedict , and on the
Belonging as it does to the Belgian Congregation under the title
Columba established in Glenstal , into an Abbey in perpetuity .
the Belgian Congregation , under the title of the Annunciation
itioned us that the Conventual Priory of Saints Joseph and
Apostolic authority , and in virtue of the present letter , we will-
furthermore , monks many of them saints used to go abroad
frontiers of Christ's kingdom , bringing the light of the Gospel
years , that which had perished , might be restored .
country formerly famous for such monasteries , at last after many
trine . However , in evil days , its religious houses under the rule
honour of Saints Joseph and Columbia in Ireland , at the site known
Our beloved son then , Theodore Neve , Abbot-President of
from the monasteries of Ireland to extend on every side of the
of Abbots came to an end in that island . Now , in recent times
the sons of St. Benedict from Belgium established a house in
of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the same
as Glenstal , from which in the course of its successful develop-
monastic life . In ancient times , the Abbots of monasteries there
granted to the Abbeys of the same religious Congregation , and
Pius XII , by which Glenstal was erected into an Abbey .
Order , we grant it participation in all the rights and privileges
renown as an incompatible foster-mother of virtue and of doc-
we permit the Chapter of the Abbey now erected by us to elect
In this matter , the family of St. Benedict acquired fame and
and rightly so - is renowned especially for the glory of her
principally to those countries which were still shrouded in the
dark night of error .
Ireland , the " Island of Saints " as she is commonly called-
the first Abbot .
Contrariis , etc. ,
Given under the seal of the Fichoman Tounum in 1944

--- Page 3 ---
if they have the Apostolic ( Papal ) Mandate and orders it to be
Order of St. Benedict , expressing the wish of the entire Benedict-
recourse to the Holy See for an Apostolic Mandate for the
Blessing of an Abbot , up to now . has had to be made even
of much good and a pillar of support to the Church , and
We do , by our Apostolic authority and by these present , grant
Abbot was of necessity often delayed for too long a time , our
from distant countries , and in the meanwhile the Blessing of the
acceding to the wishes of the same Most Reverend Abbot Primate ,
once and for always , a general Apostolic Mandate , directed to
Mandate , once and for always , for the imparting of the Abbatial
the Community to bless the new Abbot . The Archbishop asks
of the Blessing of the Abbot in answer to the question placed by
senior Assistant Abbot requests the Archbishop in the name of
papal benevolence upon that great and ancient Order which ,
Pope Benedict XV .
ine Order , has most earnestly asked us for a general Apostolic
This Mandate is to be read at the beginning of the ceremony
throughout the world and considering also that , in many cases ,
Blessing upon any Abbot of the same ' Order ' outside the city
founded by the Patriarch of Western monks , has been a source
After due deliberation , wishing to beslow a new token of
Apostolic " Mandate ? '
the Bishop , as found in the Roman Pontifical : " Have you an
the respective diocesan Bishop , for the Blessing in the future
We command , however , that during the solemn ceremony
the general Apostolic mandate of
of the Blessing the Abbot-elect must take the usual oath of
Assistant Abbots are on either side of the Abbot-elect . The
present letters are authentic , etc.
world outside the city of Rome .
constant fidelity .
read . The following text is read , in Latin , by the notary :
Ceremony of Abbasial Blessing
beloved son , Fidelis von Stotzingen , Abbot Primate of the
Considering the vast spread of the Order of St. Benedict
before the Altar . the Abbot-elect is seated facing him . the two
of Rome .
of an ' Abbot of the Order of St. Benedict , ' anywhere in the
At the beginning of the ceremony . the Archbishop is seated
This We decree and , at the same time , declare that these

--- Page 4 ---
the poor and pilgrims ?
change entirely for the better ?
should ever alienate any property , I am willing to incur thereby
In virtue of this same authority , beloved Brother ,
the penalties imposed in the Constitution regarding this matter .
even with the permission of the monastic community . And if I
Church of Rome , to His Holiness Pope Pius XII
and to keep the Rule of S Benedict , and earnestly
and questioned on the manifold matters belonging
The time-honoured custom of the holy mothers
we now inquire :
to this charge , and on the conduct necessary for it .
and to his successors , loyalty and faithfully for ever
tity , moderation , humility and patience in yourself ,
teach your subjects to do the same ?
of the monastery committed to you , and to admini-
obedience and homage to our holy Mother the
ster it for the benefit of the Church , the brethren ,
and in everything ?
conduct , and with God's help , as far as you can ,
and to teach these things to your subjects ?
Do you intend to abstain from all evil in your
So help me God and these His holy Gospels .
the Abbot-elect :
enfief or in any way alienate the possessions of my monastery .
Archbishop :
Ceremony of Abbasial Blessing
Archbishop :
Do you intend to persist in your holy purpose ,
The Archbishop now addresses the following questions to
Archbishop :
Archbishop :
Do you intend to render allegiance , submission ,
chosen for the cure of souls , should be examined
Do you intend loyalty to take care of the property
Abbot-elect :
inculcates and commands that the man who is
Do you intend , with God's help . to preserve chas-
Archbishop :
The Scrutiny .
Abbot-elect :
Abbot-elect :
Abbot-elect :
Abbot-elect :
ido .
I do .
I do .
I do .
I do .

--- Page 5 ---
Ceremony of Abbasial Blessing
The following prayer is added in the Mass :
Shepherds .
Attetula .
tificals , and reads the prayers of the Mass , up to the
goodness .
Grant , we beseed . Then . O Lord , that this servant of time ,
to a side-altar with his Assistants . He'veets in non
The Mass is of the feast of Saints Peter and Paul .
May the Lord grant you these and all other bless-
ings , may be protect you , and establish you in all
The Archbishop now rises and begins the Mass ,
the Abbot-elect answering the prayers at the foot of
example , enlighten the minds of his subjects ; and may be get an
eternal recompense its reward from Tree , O most tender of
the altar . At the end of these prayers , he proceeds
Archbishop :
Abbot-elect : Amen .
exching what is right and practising it , may by his good
6 .

--- Page 6 ---
Sancte Hieronyme .
Be merciful ,
St. Martin ,
St. Anastasia ,
Sancta Maria Magdalena ,
St. Gregory ,
Sancte Ambrosi ,
Sancte Bernarde ,
Intercede for us .
Sancte Benedicte ,
Sancte Augustine ,
Sancte Gregori ,
Sancta Agatha ,
Orate pro nobis .
Omnes sancti Martyres ,
St. Bernard ,
Orate pro nobis .
Sancte Francisco ,
All ye holy .
Parce nobis , Domine .
St. Francis ,
St. Catherine ,
St. Dominic ,
Sancte Nicolae ,
Sancta Agnes ,
St. Augustine ,
Sancte Silvester ,
Sancta Anastasia ,
All we holy men , and women ,
St. Mary Magdalene ,
St. Nicholas ,
St. Jerome ,
Hermits ,
St. Benedict ,
Spare us , O' Lord .
Omnes sancti .
St. Cecily ,
Orate pro nobis .
Propitius esto .
Sancte Dominice ,
Be merciful ;
All we holy Virgins and
Sancte Martine ,
St. Ambrose ,
St. Agatha ,
Sancta Catharina ,
Sancte Antoni ,
Sancia Caecilia ,
St. Agnes ,
Orate pro nobis .
Eremitae , Orate pro nobis .
Saints of God ,
SS. Gervasius and
St. Anthony ,
St. Lucy ,
Sancia Lucia ,
Propitius esto ,
Confessores ,
All ye holy
Sancti Gervasi et Protasi ,
Dei , Intercedite pro nobis .
St. Sylvester ,
Pontifices et
' Ora pro
Levites ,
widows ,
Protasius ,
Omnes sanctae .
All yet , Martyrs ,
Doctors ,
nobis .
confesors ,
SS. Cosmas and Damia ,
Bishops and
Virgines et
Ceremony of Abbasial Blessing
Omnes sancti Sacerdotes et
nobis .
Damiane ,
All ye holy .
pro nobis .
Priests and
Doctors ,
Viduse , Orate
Sancti Cosma et
Omnes sancti .
t Sanctae .
All ye holy
Omnes Sancti .
Orate pro
Levitae , Orate pro nobis
Omnes sancti Monachi et
no #
sire
s o .
is a
sire .
Monks and
per
pro nobis .
s.
to
are
is
o .
or
8 0
z .
pro
Abbasial Blessing .
Orate
Monachi et
ex
to
or
8 9
ir .
pro
Omnes sancti .

--- Page 7 ---
unity of the Church all
safe to govern and pre-
Ceremony of Abbasial Blessing
who have strayed from
safe to confirm and pre-
mies of holy Church ,
all orders of the Church
it , and lead all infidels .
in holy religion ,
donare digneris ,
to the light of the
bus Christianis pacem ,
safe to recall to the
tian kings and princes ,
Apostolic Prelate , and
nos perdiscere digneris ,
safe to grant peace and
serve us in Thy holy .
gelii lumen perducers .
That Thou wouldn't touch -
us to true penance ,
coelestia desideria erigas ,
tiano pacem et unita-
tem largiri digneris ,
That Thou wouldn't lift up
unity of the Church all
servare digneris ,
Ut. ad veram potentism
safe to give peace and
That Thou wouldn't voucher-
safe to preserve our
Ut Regibus et Principi-
Ut cuncto populo Chris-
That Thou wouldn't touch-
That Thou wouldn't voucher-
That Thou wouldn't vouch-
safe to humble the one-
sancta religious con-
our minds to heavenly
clesiae humiliare dig-
et veram concordiam .
That Thou wouldn't bring
serve Thy holy Church .
people .
Gospel ,
true concert to Chris-
at Thou wouldn't pardon .
clesiasticos ordines in
Ut nobis indulgeas ,
disneris ,
Ut nobis parcas ,
universos , and Evan-
digneris ,
unitatem Ecclesiae re-
desires ,
digneris ,
service ,
neris ,
vocare et infideles .
Ut nosmetipos , in two
That Thou wouldn't touch -
tuum sanctam .
Ut inimicos sanctae Ec-
conservare .
Ut Ecclesiam .
regere .
us ,
" That Thou wouldn't voucher -
hat Thou wouldn't spare .
Ut mentes nostras ad
us ,
fortare , et conservare .
That .
sancto servitio con-
10 .
Ut. Dommum Apostoli-
Ut. Dommum .
That .
errantes , and
omnes ec-
servitio con-
Ut omnes errantes ad
or
ny .
Apostoli-
gu
fortare ,
es
cum ,
cum , et omnes ec-
oro .
Ut mentes .
sancto .
s .
ut
or
no
Ut omnes .
no .
ro
ordines in
ie .
et
brm .
to
ut

--- Page 8 ---
away the sins of the world ,
V. Sustain , O Lord , thy ser-
pany Thou hast gathered .
Ceremony of Abbasial Blessing
Agnus Dei , qui tollis pec-
Agnus Dei , qui tollis per-
Lord , from the holy
away the sins of the word ,
journeying and thy home-
R. It is in Thee , my God , he
Salvum face servum tuum ,
Our Father ( in silence ) .
Lord , " have mercy .
Christ , have mercy .
Christe audi nos ,
7 . Send him down help , O
Lamb of God , who takes
Lamb of God , who takes
R. But deliver us from evil .
Have mercy on us .
Lord , have mercy .
from the Lord .
ilium de sancto .
thou protect him .
Graciously bear us , O Lord ,
Kyrie eleison .
elect , who is still lying prostrate ,
V. The Lord protect thy
R. Bought them in , long ago .
Christe exaudi nos .
Christe , eleison .
Christ , hear us .
V. And lead us not into
R. Henceforth and for ever .
R. Deus meus , sperantem in
Kyrie eleison .
temptation .
sure defender .
V. Bethink Tree of the com-
home-coming .
Exaudi nos , Domine .
Miserere nobis .
ionem a Domino .
V. His accident Benedict-
place .
V. Mitte ei , Domine , aux-
R. And from Sion above , do
hopes .
itum tuum et exitum .
tentationem .
cata mundi ,
R. And mercy from God , his
saerulum .
cata mundi ,
nd turning towards the Abbot-
V. Dominus custodiat intro-
salutari suo .
His to receive a blessing
V. Memor esto congregat-
Christ , graciously bear us .
ionis tune .
Domine .
R. Et misercordiam a Deo ,
Peter noster ( secreto usque
R. . Sed.libera nos a malo .
R. " Ex hoc nunc , et usque in
R. Et de Sign tuere eum .
tuum .
Then the Archbishop rises ,
he says :
V. Et ne nos inducas in
initio .
vant .
ad ) .
te .
possedisti ab
pater .
R. Quam .
R. Quam passedisti , ab
r.

--- Page 9 ---
ance in doctrine , fidelity in chastity , abstinence in pleasure ,
Stephen , chosen by the Apostles , did merit to endure . May
he , " from this day forward , despite all worldliness ; aided by
and pattern of justice for the faithful government and rule of
moderation in abundance , wisdom in conduct . With Thy help ,
O Lord , may be persevere in this ministry as the Deacon St.
Thy blessing , O Lord , may be spun things temporal , love what
humilations , against pride hatred of self , in faith charity , vigil-
ance in good works , constancy in adversity , patience in tribalation ,
May he receive to-day from Thy bounty , O Lord , persever-
relish in fasting , mercy amid infratitude , proper dignity amid
grace through unworthiness of his .
our hands , may persevere worthy of the sanctification , and chosen
R. It is fitting , it is right .
is heavenly , and desire things eternal . May he became an example
over this servant of thine , the breath of the Spirit's blessing :
There , O' Lord , O Holy Father , ' O Almighty and eternal God ,
We have them raised up
and holding them extended continues :
to the Lord , our God .
Here the Archbishop lays both hands on the Abbot's head .
Et cum spirita two .
Gratias agamus Domino
Ceremony of Abbasial Blessing .
through Christ our Lord . In answer to our prayers , spread out
so that he , who is made Abbot to-day by the imposition of
& And with my spirit .
to the Lord .
It is in truth right . it is fitting . it is our duty and our
by Thee ; and may be never afterwards be separated from thy
the Archbishop , who continues with outstretched hands :
Here the Abbot-elect rises , and then kneels in front of
Sursum corda .
salvation , for us always and everywhere to make thanksgiving to
V. Let us make thanksgiving
Deo nostro .
Let us lift up our hearts .
forum .
The Archbishop removes his hands from the Abbot's head ,
R. Dignum et justum est.
V. The Lord be with you .
World without end .
7 . Per omnia saecula saecu-
Habemus ad Dominum .
Dominus vobiscum .
Amen .
amen .
r.
r.
v.
r.
v.
v.
r.
R. A.
R. Amen .

--- Page 10 ---
and hands it to the Abbot , saying :
Through Christ our Lord .
Through Christ our Lord .
The Archbishop then sprinkles the ring with holy water ,
The Archbishop then sprinkles the crozier with holy water
may he strive to carry out the precepts of the Holy Rule in his
Do Thou , O God , the support of human frailty bless this
of this servant of thine , what this staff symbolizes externally ,
and place's it on the Abbot's right hand , saying :
own manner of life , and in that of his subjects ; so that , together
faithfulness , go on to eternal salvation , by the help of heaven's
with favour on this thy servant . With the help of thy grace
upon this ring . May whatsoever that will wear this seal of sacred
Donor of eternal salvation , send down the blessing . O' Lord ,
staff ; and may thy gracious mercy effect internally in the character
Then the following prayer :
protection . Through Christ our Lord .
O Creator and Saviour of mankind . Given of spiritual grace .
Receive the ring , the seal of faith , so that , replendent with
spotless faith , you may guard in integrity the bride of God , Holy
O Almighty and loving Lord , we beseech Tree , look down
correcting vice ; and when in anger , remember mercy .
with the flock committed to him , he may obtain eternal happiness .
Take the staff of the shepherd's office , and show it to the
R. Amen .
Back committed to you ; may you be rigorous but kind in
church .
2 . The Crozier .
Let us Pray .
3 . The Ring .
Ceremony of Abbasial Blessing
Let Us Pray .

--- Page 11 ---
May God almighty , Father t
Deus Pafter , et Fitlius , et
Benedicat was omnipotens .
Fittius , et Spiritust Sanctus .
Son and Holy-Spirit , bless
Ceremony of Abbasial Blessing
R. Ex hoc nunc et usque in
saerulum .
eternity .
nomine Domini .
R. Amen .
dictum .
terram .
V. Our help is in the Lord .
R. Amen .
earth .
The Bishop gives the Salem Blessing as follows :
you .
name .
V. Adjutorium , nostrum , in
V. Sir nomen Domini bene-
R. Qui , Cecil coelum , et
R. From this day to all
v. Blessed .
R. Who made heaven and
W. Blessed be the Lord's
V. Sir nomen
Domini bene-
the Lord's
R. From this
V. Adjutorium .
Aaron . Through Christ , our Lord .
Let us Pray .
the Abbot . Through Christ , our Lord .
being admired and his head armed with the horns of both Testa-
R. Amen .
servant with the bright horns of Thy splendour and truth , and
We place , O Lord , on the head of this Thy servant , the
Placing the mitre on the Abbot's head , the Bishop says :
after Thy conversation with Moses , didst adorn the face of Thy
he be their strong adversary , Thou helping with Thy grace who ,
Abbot , the helmet of protection and salvation , so that , his face
gift , Thou , the ornament of all beauty , design to bless and sanctify
O Lord God , Father Almighty , whose goodness is wonderful
had ordered a tara to be placed on the head of Thy high priest
this mitre , which is to be placed on the head of this Thy servant ,
whose power is immense , from whom is every best and perfect
le may appear terrible to the enemies of truth ; and may

--- Page 12 ---
21 .
Martyrs both glorify .
Though art the everlasting Son
the sting of death , thou didst
There , the praiseworthy com-
They adorable , true , and only
didst not disdain the Virgin's
earth of the majesty of thy
the world acknowledges thee ,
We praise thee , O God : we
pany of the Prophets ,
There , the white-robed army of
Father of measures majesty :
acknowledge there to be the
Dominus Deus Sabaoath .
open to believers the kingdom
thyself to deliver man , thou
There , the glorious choir of the
The Holy Church throughout
Holy , Holy , Holy , Lord God
tum Spiritum . '
Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim #
Tibi comes Angeli , # tibi .
three the heavens , and all the
Full are the heavens and the
incessabili voice proclamant :
sancta confitatur Ecclesia ,
hominem # non horruisti Vir-
coeli et universae Potestates :
When thou didst take upon
Thom . Christ , at the King
Tu. devicto mortis aculeo . "
Dominium confitemur .
majestatis gloriae tune .
et unicum Filium ;
Te Matyrum candidatus laudat
When thou hadst overcome
To thee all the Angels , to
the earth worships .
Seraphim call out unceas-
Patrem # immense majestatis ;
To thee the Cherubim and
terra veneratur .
Tu ad liberandum susceptible
Pleni sunt coeli et terra .
son ; and the
Sanctus , Sanctus , Sanctus ,
Sanctum opaque # Paracli-
There , the eternal Father , all
of Glory .
Tu Rex gloriae # Christe .
Venerandum tuum verum #
Te Prophetarum # laudabilis .
chorus ,
Holy Spirit , the Paraclete .
Te aeternum Patrem # omnis .
of hosts .
glory .
Apostles ,
of heaven .
of the Father .
Te per orbem terratum #
coelorum .
master .
Tu Patris # sempiternus es
numerous ,
womb .
filius .
exercitus .
Powers ;
ginis uterum .
aperuisti credentibus regna .
ingly :
credentibus regna .
Te gloriosus .
Te glorious # Apostolorum .
Te Deum Laudamus ;
aperuisti .
#
Apostolorum .

--- Page 13 ---
gifts , and the glory of Thy
vivendi altis exemplum prae-
tiam possit acquire , et bene
spiritum tune benefitdictionis .
the Spirit of Thy blessing ,
down upon this Thy servant ,
ple of a holy life . Through
strength , O Lord .
ditatus et tuae majestatis gra-
grace he may acquire and
V. The Lord be with you .
Lord , our prayers , and send
There , O my God .
R. And with my spirit .
injure him .
R. Et flius iniquitatis non
V. O' Lord , hear my prayer .
R. Nor the son if iniquity
apponat nocere ei .
OREMUS . Exaudi Domine ,
R. Who puts his trust in
V. Let not the enemy prevail
that , filled with heavenly
Christ , our Lord .
fortitudinis .
hunc famulum tum .
R. Deus meus , sperantem in
R. And let my cry come unto
over him .
present to others , the exam-
bere . Per Dominum nostrum .
V. Be unto him a tower of
emitte ; at coelesti munere
LET US.PRAY . Hear , O
V. Esto ei. Domine , turns
R. From the face of the
onem mean .
domine .
R. Et clamor mens ad te
preces 'nostras ; et super
enemy .
Communist or subdivatist discussing
R. Eet cum spiritu two .
veniat .
R. A facie inimici .
R. Amen .
V. Salvation face serving tumum ,
Dominus vobiscum .
Lord .
R. Amen .
in eco .
three .
V. Domine , exaudi orati-
te .
servant , O
inimicus .
V. Save .
V. Nihil proficient inimicus .
orati-
V. Nihil .
proficial
V. Save Thy servant , O
V. Save . Thy .
Blessing to the people :
dictum .
After this prayer the Archbishop assumes his mitre . and
by the two Assistant Abbots . The new Abbot now goes up
to the Altar with his mitre and crozier , and gives the Solemn
name .
V. Sir nomen Domini bene-
proceeds to the Gospel side of the ' Altar . He is then joined
V. Blessed be the Lord's

--- Page 14 ---
thanksgiving , all leave the Church in procession .
the following greeting :
Spiritus : Sanctus .
Deus , Patter , et Fitlius , et
Ceremony of Abbasial Blessing
R. Amen .
nomine Domini .
R. Qui fecit coelum et ter-
The Archbishop also begins the last Gospel , and returns
Ad multos annos .
bless you .
R. Amen .
Long may you live !
returns to his altar with his Assistants , saying the last Gospel .
V. Our help is in the Lord .
and from his Assistant-Abbots , the kiss of peace . He now
earth .
mitre and crozier , jewels , facing the Archbishop . He intends
ram .
Benedicat was omnipotens .
The Abbot then rises and receives from the Archbishop ,
May God almighty , Father
to his Throne . After unvesting , and after the prayers of
I. Adjutorium nostrum , in
R. Who made heaven and
and Holy # Spirit ,
Then he goes to the epistle side of the Altar , and with
sort .
Then he goes to the epistle
side of the Altar , and with
re
to his Throne .
R. An.
v.
-4 .
54 O'Connell Street ,
timerick .
printed by The Limerick
Leader Ltd .
Blessing of an Abbot .
Reverend David Melancon , O.S.B.
other matter of the present booklet :
C.T.S.I. : Consecration of a Bishop .
Acknowledgment is grate made to the following public
The Liturgical Press , Collegeville , and S. Joseph Abbey ,
Louisiana : Ceremony of the Blessing of the Right
ations which have been used for some of the translations an
O"Brien & Ards ( Dublin ) , and Kilnacrott Abbey : The