The appointment of two new coordinators for the Monastic Formators’ Program was announced 11 February by Abbot Primate Jeremias Schröder OSB. Brother Colmán Ó Clabaigh OSB, of Glenstal Abbey, and Sister Marie Johann Heo OSB, of the Generalate District of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing, will jointly lead the program.
Brother Colmán is a medieval historian, author, and monk of Glenstal Abbey in County Limerick, Ireland, which is a place of prayer, work, education and hospitality. He received his doctorate from the National University of Ireland in 1998. He also has been a visiting professor at St John’s University, Collegeville, MN, USA, and a Burns Visiting Scholar at Boston College.
Sister Marie Johann is a member of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing, whose Generalate is in Rome. The Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing have a presence in 16 countries across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia. Their ministries include education, healthcare, pastoral work and spiritual formation.
The Monastic Formators’ Program is a 12-week program designed to meet the needs of those working in the field of monastic formation or preparing to do so in the future. The program takes place in Rome and Assisi and is intended for monks, nuns and sisters who follow the Rule of St. Benedict. The program aims to provide a deeper appreciation of the monastic tradition and its values. It includes study, community living and reflection, and also includes trips to places of Christian and monastic heritage.
The appointment of Brother Colmán and Sister Marie Johann marks the beginning of a new chapter for the MFP, which was founded in 2002. Abbot Primate Jeremias expressed his gratitude to the former directors, Abbot Brendan Thomas OSB, and Abbot President Javier Aparicio Suárez OSB, for their leadership and wished the new coordinators God’s blessing.
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