Stability Has Unique Meaning to Roving Benedictine Ambassador

In an exclusive interview, the Abbot Primate of the Worldwide Benedictine Confederation describes his vision of Catholic ministry.

By GREGORY W. WALLACE and MIKE PERKINS
Saint Anselm Crier

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.

“What we need for the future is people who are committed to their lives and to the future, and not just committed to making money,” Abbot Notker said. “When you go to a Benedictine monastery, especially as a student, the monks are committed to the students.”

Seeing young people who take the lessons of Benedictine faith seriously “gives hope for the future also to other people.”

He sees growth and strength in the Catholic faith and Benedictine tradition in many parts of the world, and in Tanzania, home to 500 Benedictine monks and 1500 sisters. He also said that communities in parts of the European continent are finding success anew.

“It is nice to see how the influence of Benedictines is influencing Eastern Europe,” he said. These smaller communities, he said, “depend on the individual characters” within the monastery.

The Abbot Primate looks forward committing himself to studies following his retirement from leading the worldwide congregation.

“I’m looking forward to the time when it gets more quiet,” he said. “I have no problem being in one place.”

He said a life of teaching and writing would be very fulfilling, especially offering “special courses to weak students.” Students who struggle can benefit from Benedictine values, especially stability.

In the meantime, he professes to enjoy his travels and global ministry.

Abbot Notker brings a simple message of advice to the young people he meets around the world: “experience the importance of God for your life.”

“Commit yourself to studies, but not only for studies, but also for the core of human life,” he said.

This article was published in the Saint Anselm Crier on December 12, 2009 on page 1.