Abbot John Herbert Confirmed at New Norcia
On Thursday, 22 January, during a canonical visitation by the Subiaco Congregation, the chapter of New Norcia Abbey, Western Australia, elected Father John Herbert OSB as their seventh abbot. Abbot John succeeds the esteemed and lamented +Abbot Placid Spearritt OSB. After consulting the council, Abbot President Bruno Marin OSB confirmed the abbatial election at which Abbot Hugh Gilbert OSB, Pluscarden Abbey, Scotland, presided.
Abbot John, 44, was born in Melbourne, Victoria, and joined the community in 1995 after a ten-year career in hospitality. He has served the community in the garden; in the sanctuary, as coordinator of the liturgy; in the guesthouse through ministry to seekers; and in the monastery as prior and director of formation.
Abbot John has been serving as parish priest, and he is at work on a master’s in counselling.
Details regarding the Abbatial Blessing are yet to be announced.
http://www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au/
