Abbot Primate Visits Saint Leo University

"My power is seated in my powerlessness. And, my job is to take care of the poor."--Abbot Primate Notker Wolf, O.S.B.

Abbot Primate Notker Wolf, O.S.B., head of the Benedictine Confederation, believes his job is to take care of the poor. Living a life of travel, he has committed himself to visit Benedictine abbeys and monasteries to explain the goal of The Saint Benedict Education Foundation and how it fits into Pope Benedict s quest to teach the liturgy.

The Abbot Primate visited Holy Name Monastery and Saint Leo Abbey, where he met with the Benedictine and Saint Leo University communities. He also spoke with the press and toured Saint Leo University.

Abbot Notker believes that discipline will challenge people to think of different ways to structure monastic life for the future. "The world is my home," he said.

Abbot Notker spoke of his love for music, education and the arts. He plays guitar in a rock band and sees it as a way to stay in touch with young people. He also spoke of how to eliminate fear in your life. "We only fear what we can't have or we think we can't have," he said. His monastery is Saint Anselmo in Rome, which is the home for the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy.

Father Cajetan Homick, O.S.B., president of the Foundation, accompanied the Abbot Primate. Abbot Notker spoke first with the sisters at the Holy Name Monastery, then with the monks at Saint Leo Abbey. Following his talks, a press conference was held in Saint Leo Hall, located on the Saint Leo University Campus.

Born in Bad Grönenbach, Bavaria on June 21, 1940, Abbot Notker has been an abbot for 29 years. For the last six years, he has served as the Abbot Primate. He is fluent in English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Latin and Greek. He also studied Hebrew, can read Portuguese, Swahili, and Dutch and is now studying Croatian. He was elected Abbot Primate six years ago.

Abbot Notker is interested in the role of adolescents in today's society. "Young people are concerned," he said. They know that something is happening. "Did you know that the Romans sent their youths to be educated with the Benedictines?" he asked. "We believe in educating the whole person."  (from Saint Leo University public relations)