ST. MICHAEL’S ABBEY, within the Diocese of Orange, announces the forthcoming conclusion of the tenure of Abbot Eugene Hayes, O.Praem., and the preparation for the election of his successor.
On March 21, Abbot Hayes marked his 75th birthday. In accordance with the norms governing the Norbertine Order, this milestone occasions the conclusion of his service as abbot, which will take effect on May 31. His tenure of three decades has been marked by steady growth in religious vocations and the establishment of the abbey’s new campus in Silverado Canyon, including the construction of its abbey church. The abbey community extends its sincere and filial gratitude for the leadership of Abbot Hayes over the past 30 years.
Following May 31, governance of the community will pass to Prior Chrysostom Baer, O.Praem., who will serve as administrator until the election of a new abbot. In this capacity, he will convoke the Chapter of Election, when the solemnly professed members of the abbey will gather for prayerful discernment and the election of their new superior.
The abbatial election is scheduled to take place on June 19. In keeping with the traditions of the Order, the election will be conducted in a spirit of recollection and common deliberation. The Holy See has granted a plenary indulgence to the faithful who assist at prayer at the abbey on June 18 or June 19, under the usual conditions. Priests from the Diocese of Orange have generously offered to hear confessions at the abbey on these days to accommodate the faithful.
The election will be presided over by the Abbot General, Jos Wouters, O.Praem., who serves as the head of the Order worldwide, thereby expressing the communion of the local community with the broader Norbertine family.
In accordance with the constitutions of the Order, the canon who receives the required majority of votes and accepts election will assume office immediately. The abbatial blessing is anticipated to take place at a later date. The Abbey entrusts this period of transition to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. Norbert of Xanten, and asks the faithful to join in prayer for the community and for the one whom the Lord will call to this office.
Beginning on June 12, the Abbot’s Circle community will offer a Novena to Our Lady, Queen of Our Order, for the intention of the abbatial election. The Norbertines invite the faithful to join this community in prayer through the Abbot’s Circle website at abbotscircle.com.
Confessions will be heard on June 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on June 19 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.