Right Rev. Justin Brown, OSB, president of the Swiss-American Congregation, blesses newly elected Abbot Paul Sheller, OSB, following his election July 11 at Conception Abbey in Conception, Missouri. (Submitted photo)
Four Benedictine monks serving at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Benet Lake recently returned to their Missouri motherhouse to elect a new abbot who will also serve as the
(Submitted Photo)
spiritual leader of the Wisconsin community.
The monks joined the Benedictine community of Conception Abbey in Conception, Missouri, July 11 in electing Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB, as the monastery’s 11th abbot. He succeeds Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB, who retired after 10 years of service.
Although St. Benedict’s has served the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for 81 years, it has been a dependent priory of Conception Abbey since 2014. As a result, the monks assigned to Benet Lake are members of the Conception Abbey community, and the newly elected abbot also becomes their superior.
The election followed the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The Right Rev. Justin Brown, OSB, president of the Swiss-American Congregation of the Benedictine Confederation, presided over the election. Abbot Sheller immediately assumed responsibility for the spiritual and temporal leadership of the community.
Conception Abbey was founded in 1873 and today is home to 51 monks. In addition to overseeing St. Benedict’s Priory in Benet Lake, the community operates Conception Seminary College, the Abbey Guest Center and other ministries.
