The Abbot is the regular superior of an Abbey, elected for life by the members of the community.  The Abbot is father, ruler and teacher of his Monastic’s and has complete domestic authority according to the Rule and Declarations of his community and the spiritual authority as laid down in Canon Law.

            The Abbot has the right to Pontificate at Holy Mass and at other liturgical functions, and use pontificalia, including the pastoral staff (crosier) and throne, mitre, ring and pectoral cross.

            An Abbot Nullius Diocesis has jurisdiction which extends over the clergy, people and churches that are owned and operated by the Abbey, and as such, is not under the jurisdiction of the local diocesan bishop.  An Abbot Nullius sometimes receives Episcopal Consecration, and when he does, his rights and powers mirror those of bishops-in-ordinary.  Abbey Nullius are immediately subject only to the legitimate Holy See.  (Catholic Dictionary and Encyclopedia)  Abbot Ryan St. Anne is an Episcopal Abbot Nullius.

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            On behalf of this monastic Benedictine community, I take pleasure in welcoming you to the web site of Holy Rosary Abbey (Abbatia Sanctissimi Rosarii).  We are a dual community of Monks and Nuns having been established on July 11, 1989 under the guidance and direction of the late †Rev. Fr. Alfred J. Kunz, JCD of the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin.  We work and pray daily, with the Holy Rule of St. Benedict as our guide.  We humbly present this web-site to give you a slight glimpse and visibility into our way of life.

          Our daily Horarium (schedule) is posted on this web-site and we welcome individuals, families and groups to visit our Abbey and to join us in prayer.

            We have many beautiful statues, paintings and treasures throughout the Abbey, including an outstanding wooden hand-carved statue of St. Benedict.  This statue is from an artist in Monte Cassino, the home of St. Benedict, and occupies a place of honor at one of the Crypt Altars in the Oratory.  This was the first of two magnificent statues of St. Benedict that we were able to acquire.  Recently, the wooden statue was given to a local statue producer to make a mold so that statues would be available for those who were interested.  I would like to add, that almost all of our statues and art-work have been “rescued” from dumpsters, trash bins and abandoned religious houses.

            In keeping with the history of Benedictine houses, we recently embarked on a new project of re-publishing (copying) out of print books.  Benedictines have been known historically for their Scriptoriums … so in keeping with that historical venture, we now produce a variety of religious and liturgical books for our very own Scriptorium Benedictum publishing house.  Please visit our “Publishing” page for a listing of books currently available.

            As Abbot, I try to encourage each of the Monastic’s to pursue their individual talents - for the glory of God.  Talents come in a variety of forms: artistry, carpentry, painting, sewing, music, writing, etc.  Almighty God gives each of us talents - we simply must find ways to strengthen and utilize them in a holy manner.

            We seek perfection in all that we do.  That does not mean that we are perfect - but we are required to seek that perfection.  As humans, we are nothing more than miserable sinners - but by God’s grace and infinite mercy, along with our cooperation, He gives us the opportunity to seek favor in His sight, forgives our sins, and helps us to amend our lives; giving us the grace that we need, in order to please Him in all that we do.  For this we are grateful !

            I pray that you enjoy your visit here on our web-site.  If you have any questions, I encourage your correspondence.  I try to answer Emails daily - but do not always have the opportunity - but know that I will get back to you as time permits.  Please … if you have a few moments in your day - please offer a prayer for us; a simple Ave is appreciated … both by the Monastic’s as well as our Most Holy Mother.  I end as I began …

 

… Benedicite …

†Most Rev. & Lord Abbot Ryan St. Anne, OSB