Abbot Leonard Wangler focuses on Bishop Anthony B. Taylor during his abbatial blessing. Brother Edward Fischesser (left) was named as the new Subiaco Abbey prior. (Karen Schwartz)

Bishop Taylor blesses Abbot Leonard during the first abbatial blessing in 25 years. (Karen Schwartz)

Bishop Taylor slips on the blessed abbot's ring on Abbot Leonard's finger. (Karen Schwartz)

There have only been seven abbots in Subiaco Abbey's 137-year history. Abbot Leonard was blessed in the May 7 Mass. (Karen Schwartz)

After the blessing by the bishop, Abbot Leonard hugged his fellow brothers. (Karen Schwartz)

Incense was used throughout the Mass at Subiaco Abbey, part of the abbatial blessing. (Karen Schwartz)

Bishop Taylor and Abbot Leonard celebrate Mass at Subiaco Abbey May 7. (Karen Schwartz)

While Bishop Taylor explained the abbot is now a father to his brother monks, Abbot Leonard also emphasized his leadership is "first among equals." (Karen Schwartz)

Order photo prints

Bishop blesses new abbot with Mass at Subiaco Abbey

Abbot Leonard Wangler tells his intention to lead monks as ‘first among equals’

Published: May 14, 2015

By Aprille Hanson
Associate Editor

Karen Schwartz

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor speaks to newly elected Abbot Leonard Wangler during his homily at the first abbatial blessing in 25 years. Abbot Leonard is the seventh abbot in Subiaco Abbey’s 137-year history.

Karen Schwartz

SUBIACO — On May 7, Abbot Leonard Wangler officially became a father to more than 40 sons. At least in the spiritual sense, as Bishop Anthony B. Taylor explained during his homily at Subiaco Abbey’s first abbatial blessing in 25 years.

“Humanly speaking, the greatest treasure you inherit by far is your brother monks of whom you have now become father. How does it feel to have 40 sons all of a sudden, more than half of them older than you?” Bishop Taylor asked, adding that he will need to guide them with virtues including “death to self, patience, love and a good example.”

Father Wangler took the oath of office as the new abbot March 24, following a secret-ballot election and the retirement of Father Jerome Kodell, who celebrated his 25th anniversary as abbot this year. There were 13 eligible monks out of the more than 40 at the abbey.

While Abbot Leonard, 71, appreciated the wisdom of the bishop’s words, he said he is still figuring out what it means to be a father to these men.

“They try to set me apart, but I try not to let them. I guess I have more the idea of first among equals as opposed to the one in charge,” Abbot Leonard told Arkansas Catholic. “I would imagine the first thing would be to figure out what everyone needs and how I can help everyone and then do what I can to make it happen.”

The abbey church was filled with congregants, area priests, deacons, religious sisters and the abbot’s brother monks and relatives, witnessing a sight many may not have ever seen before, as Abbot Leonard is only the seventh abbot in its 137-year history.

“It’s a joy to be here with you this morning,” Bishop Taylor said, adding later, “I have never done this before.”

The pontifical insignias, which were the Rule of St. Benedict, the abbot’s ring and crosier were blessed first, presented to Abbot Leonard later in the Mass.

For the liturgy, Abbot Leonard chose Proverbs 2:1-9, Colossians 3:12-17 and Luke 12:35-44 for the readings.

“The idea of wisdom in the first reading and the second reading the list of personality traits or characteristics or virtues, things like that and in the gospel, the idea of a wise and prudent servant,” Abbot Leonard said of why he chose these specific readings. “Those were the ones that seemed like they said the most.”

And those readings held kernels of advice, which Bishop Taylor shared in his homily.

“I must warn you, leadership in the Church is not for the faint of heart. It never has been which you know from your work as prior in this community,” Bishop Taylor said. “Therefore, you must be watchful, vigilant and faithful, which Jesus emphasizes in the three brief parables in the Gospel you chose for the ceremony of this blessing. ‘Gird your loins’ means be ready for action when action is required. ‘Light your lamps,’ which means keep your eyes open ... you must be prepared because such things will come at an hour that you don’t expect.”

Bishop Taylor also praised the work of former Abbot Jerome.

“A pastor who serves well leaves behind a community that is united, confident and in love with the Lord,” Bishop Taylor said. “And Abbot Leonard, you follow one of the finest abbots ever to guide a Benedictine community anywhere in the United States.”

After Mass, Father Kodell told Arkansas Catholic it was time for a transition.

“I had tremendous support as abbot, I’m very grateful,” Father Kodell said. “Abbot Leonard was a wonderful choice ... The Lord has continued to bless us.”

Brother Edward Fischesser, 68, who was chosen as the new prior, said Abbot Leonard relates well to the community.

“I think he’s very appreciative, not standoffish,” Brother Edward said, explaining if something needs to be done like “mopping floors or doing dishes, he’ll jump right in there.”

For his new role, Brother Edward said he just hopes he can do a good job.

“It’s a big job, but I think Abbot Leonard is very patient,” Brother Edward said, explaining he’ll feel more comfortable as time goes on. “The community has been excellent. I have not been cussed out or punched yet,” he quipped.

As the newness of his title wears off, Abbot Leonard said he’s prepared to keep Subiaco heading in the right direction.

“I want to thank everyone who has expressed interest and been praying for me, and I wish you’d continue to pray because things are just starting,” Abbot Leonard said. “This is not the end of a process; this is the beginning.”

SEE MORE PHOTOS related to this story at Arkansas Catholic's Zenfolio page, and order prints if you like. You also can browse other photos taken by Arkansas Catholic photographers.