The Abbot
The role of the Abbot is one of extreme importance. The Abbot is elected by a community of monks; he becomes not only ‘father’ but also represents Christ in their midst. The Abbot is responsible for the spiritual welfare of the Community, as well its physical well-being. This means that he is the father/patriarch of a band of brothers (and sisters if nuns are also part of the community), a businessman in charge of the financial support of the community, an administrator, a counselor, clergy, church bureaucrat, and more.
Abbot Philip at Christ of the Desert has lived the monastic life for 50 years, and been an Abbot for 30 of those years. His journey into monasticism, he believes, literally saved his life. His devotion to the men and women of the monasteries under his care is evident in his conversation. You can read his weekly homilies and bi-weekly newsletter at http://www.christdesert.org/. We were struck by his ready laugh, loving spirit, quick wit and wisdom, and family resemblance. When he spoke of his youthful rebellion and downright orneriness, we knew that under the Benedictine habit was a real human heart transformed by a lifetime of following Christ. We are so happy to be part of his family.
The role of the Abbot is one of extreme importance. The Abbot is elected by a community of monks; he becomes not only ‘father’ but also represents Christ in their midst. The Abbot is responsible for the spiritual welfare of the Community, as well its physical well-being. This means that he is the father/patriarch of a band of brothers (and sisters if nuns are also part of the community), a businessman in charge of the financial support of the community, an administrator, a counselor, clergy, church bureaucrat, and more.
Abbot Philip at Christ of the Desert has lived the monastic life for 50 years, and been an Abbot for 30 of those years. His journey into monasticism, he believes, literally saved his life. His devotion to the men and women of the monasteries under his care is evident in his conversation. You can read his weekly homilies and bi-weekly newsletter at http://www.christdesert.org/. We were struck by his ready laugh, loving spirit, quick wit and wisdom, and family resemblance. When he spoke of his youthful rebellion and downright orneriness, we knew that under the Benedictine habit was a real human heart transformed by a lifetime of following Christ. We are so happy to be part of his family.
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