Abbot

An abbot (of spätlat. Abbas, from Aramaic. Abba 'father', from Hebrew ab) was originally a general name of honor and is since 5 / 6 Century the rulers of a monastery reserved; the female equivalent is the abbess. The Office, the office or dignity of an abbot are called abbacy.

First of all monastic orders of the Catholic Church as the Benedictine and Cistercian abbots or abbesses have. These are sovereigns assumed over the abbey and directly to the Pope. In the Middle Ages had some abbots as abbots and secular power and the judiciary in the possessions of the abbey. This is also true for some of the Augustinian canons and the Prämonstratenserchorherren who know both abbots and provosts. Abbots are prelates. The correspondence in the Orthodox Church or in the Byzantine Rite is Hegumen or archimandrite.

Choice

Abbots are usually chosen for an indefinite period; Nowadays, however, a trend towards a limited tenure on six or twelve years is evident. The Constitutions of the Order usually see before a resignation of Abbot ( 70th or 75th year ). However, an extension of the term is possible under certain conditions. Despite this, the abbot has at any time the possibility of premature resignation.

The abbot is elected by all voting professed the monastery. The election results will be communicated to the diocesan bishop and to the Apostolic See and the Order line. A confirmation of the election by the superiors or the Pope is not necessary. Then the elected Abbot (not the abbess, of course ) often receives from a bishop or another abbot the benediction and the Pontifikalien ( crosier, pectoral cross and ring ) and the abbot and the miter.

Abtsbenediktion

The Abtsbenediktion, colloquially referred to as " abbatial blessing ", is the official inauguration ceremony of an abbot. Although the liturgical Abtsbenediktion leans heavily on an episcopal ordination, but is not a sacramental ordination, but only a solemn blessing (→ sacramental ). Abt one is by choice, not by consecration. The Abtsbenediktion is donated either by a bishop who does not have to be the local bishop, or by another abbot. It does not represent commissioned by the local bishop, but probably the blessing of the Church for the service of the abbot in his community and indirectly for the apostolate exercised by the Community in the particular local church and the universal Church. In the blessing ceremony of the elect, the Rule and the official mark ( rod, ring) and the Abbot (not the abbess ) often presents the miter.

Official violence

Abbeys are basically exemt and are thus directly to the Holy See. The abbots practice partly paternal power ( potestas domestica), some power of jurisdiction. This includes the management of the monastery 's assets, the government of the monastery and the discipline of the members. On disposal of a monastery goods they must seek the approval of the Council, according to church law. Similarly, in other important questions, depending on the definition of the canon law and the design in their own monastic rule, to listen to the Abtsrat or it must be obtained his consent. Abbots (not the abbesses ) are among the prelates. The abbot or Äbtissinnenbenediktion is no ordination as a deacon ordination, priest or bishop. But gives you just like this one indelible Prägemal and can be granted only by bishops or abbots.

Of the real ( Regular) abbots are to distinguish the secular, commendatory and Laienäbte - these were people who the benefice, ie the economic income of a monastery occupied, but not live in the monastery and to lead into office. The benefice was often a secular priest or layman, who was appointed by the respective sovereign. The spiritual leadership of the monastery was usually mainly with a monk from the monastery, which was often termed the Prior. Ever since the Merovingian period laity were granted tenure abbeys in the Frankish kingdom. The occurred first under Charles Martel custom was indeed mostly opposed by the church, but depending on the political power of the country Lord of the Church remained temporarily no choice but to accept this practice. So was based on any contract between Pope Leo X and King Francis I of France 1515-1521 contract, the King of France the right, 225 Abbés commendataires, so Kommendataräbte to appoint for almost all French abbeys. With the French Revolution and after the secularization in Germany the award of this title has gone out at the beginning of the 19th century in practice.

In rare cases, the title and dignity of Abbot is awarded by the Pope as a title of honor to not " governing " religious; they called Titularäbte. These are receiving usually the Abtsbenediktion but do not have line authority over a convention, but are merely using the - equipped prerogatives of abbots - primarily liturgical.

Abbot Deputy

The representative of an abbot is also called Prior, as the head of a daughter monastery (Priorat ). The prior is like the other other officials appointed by the abbot and not elected by the Convention.

Specific descriptions

• Abbot General is the name chosen for a certain time top leader in some order. It has its seat in the so-called General House in Rome and represents there with a staff of employees, the interests of the Order to the Holy See. In the Augustinian Canons, however, is called the Abbot General of the elected leader of a congregation.

• Abbot Primate of the Benedictines called the elected representative of Leo XIII. initiated Benedictine Confederation. Even the Confederation of Augustinian canons standing in front of a Abbot Primate. The Abbot Primate represents his Order to the Holy See, but has no power of management as an Abbot General.

• Abbot President means the president of a monastic religious congregation, for example, the Bavarian Benedictine Congregation.

• Abbot is, the abbot of the monastery main (mother monastery of the start-ups ( Affiliates ) acted ) a Congregation of the Benedictine order. This office is sometimes connected with the function of the upper of a congregation. The Abbot General of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance ( Trappists ) bears the title " abbot of Citeaux " honorary.

• Abtordinarius is an older term for the abbot of a Territorial Abbey Abbey territory or diocese with a similar function. The Abtordinarius has the power of jurisdiction of a bishop, but not the power of orders. He is a member of the Episcopal Conference of the country. His choice must be confirmed by the Holy See.
• Titularabt benediziert is only pro forma at the title of a defunct Abbey, but has no power of governance.

• Prince Abbot

• Abbé: is the French name of Father, Father is in addition to the official name and a title for lower Catholic secular clergy in France.

On the basis of a contract concluded between Pope Leo X and King Francis I of France Contract ( 1515-1521 ) was the kings of France have the right to appoint 225 Abbés commendataires (see commendatory ) for almost all French abbeys. This received income from a monastery, without the need to render service.

Since the mid-16th century the title Abbé led generally young cleric with or without holy orders. Their clothing consisted of a black or dark purple robe with a small collar, and her hair was arranged in a circular lock of hair.

As could only access a few possessions of the Abbey of these Abbés, some operated, for example, as a tutor or conscience councils in prestigious families, while others devoted himself to writing.

Upper other Orders

The head of branches not monastic orders will differ, as provost, Prior, Guardian, Superior, rector or director. These are usually chosen by the provincial or general chapter, and usually for a temporary period of office. In the 1095 founded Hospitaller Order of St. Anthony the abbot was designated as preceptor.

Evangelical abbots

During the Reformation, the Protestant Reformed abbots of the monasteries initially retained the official title of abbot. Over time, then other names prevailed was the name of the Württemberg abbot soon only prelates. But there are still Protestant convents whose Upper carry the title abbot or abbess. A strictly regulated life as Catholic monasteries not lead these communities, however.