New Abott at St. Benedict's Abbey
By: Spencer Shultz
Updated: December 29, 2012
(ATCHISON, Ks.) Members of St. Benedict's Abbey elected Father James Albers as its new Abbot.
Father James became the Abbey's first new abbot in 18 years.
"It's very humbling to see the respect from my confers to be their leader is very humbling," said Father James.
The position came as a complete surprise to Father James.
"Well, I didn't expect this when I woke up this morning, so the expectation for the office is to serve my Brothers in Christ and just to share in my relationship in Christ, as much as I can." he said.
Over the next few days, Father James has a lot to consider.
"It's a new journey for me", he says. "The next few days unfold and what perspective on what I have and looking at what the community needs are and address them."
Father James believes his past has prepared him for his role in the community.
"I grew up in Doniphan County, and my pastor was a Benedictine of this community, and my parents, just instilling a sense of faith and love for Christ, and going to school here at Benedictine, that sense of finding Christ in community, for me is key to my vocation."
Father James became the Abbey's first new abbot in 18 years.
"It's very humbling to see the respect from my confers to be their leader is very humbling," said Father James.
The position came as a complete surprise to Father James.
"Well, I didn't expect this when I woke up this morning, so the expectation for the office is to serve my Brothers in Christ and just to share in my relationship in Christ, as much as I can." he said.
Over the next few days, Father James has a lot to consider.
"It's a new journey for me", he says. "The next few days unfold and what perspective on what I have and looking at what the community needs are and address them."
Father James believes his past has prepared him for his role in the community.
"I grew up in Doniphan County, and my pastor was a Benedictine of this community, and my parents, just instilling a sense of faith and love for Christ, and going to school here at Benedictine, that sense of finding Christ in community, for me is key to my vocation."
