The 3-yearly Canonical Visitation of our community took place from Monday 26th to Thursday 29th June.
It was carried out by the new Abbot President of our Subiaco-Cassinese Benedictine Congregation, Abbot Guillermo Arboleda. He is from Colombia in South America, and had been Abbot of Guatapé, then of Medellin. Now by reason of his Office he has to reside in Rome. He was assisted in the Visitation by Dom Christian Leisy, a monk of Christ-in-the-Desert in New Mexico, USA, which belongs to our Province. Dom Christian is already well known to our community, having preached our annual retreat here at Pluscarden some years ago. Currently he too is living in Rome, acting as Secretary to our Abbot President.
Abbot President of our Subiaco-Cassinese Benedictine Congregation, Abbot Guillermo Arboleda, and Dom Christian Leisy, a monk of Christ-in-the-Desert in New Mexico, USA
As is normal, our Visitors interviewed each of the brethren, speaking at length with Fr. Abbot in particular. They also looked at our accounts, our Chapter minute books, etc.. Their aim was to assess the condition of the community, and to see if any improvements could be made in our observance, or to identify any other areas which might require particular attention. Perhaps above all our Visitors set themselves to encourage all the brethren to continue living out their vows with fidelity, courage and hope, trusting always not in ourselves, but only in God. At the end of the Visitation they wrote a report, which was read out to the whole community. Visitors normally also leave some recommendations specifically for the Abbot, leaving him to ponder how or whether to follow whatever advice they choose to offer.