Abbot For Life

Wimmer Wednesday. It is hardly necessary to report that before the election I told all present that they were under no obligation to choose me, but rather that they were bound by oath to elect the person whom they considered most worthy, because not only the future of the monastery but also the future of the whole Order in America depended on the election. I will not deny that the universal and sincere expression of confidence that my confreres revealed to me in the election has moved me deeply. It is a reward for the many tribulations and labors that I have frequently had to endure and suffer for the welfare of our monastery. I feel both honored and consoled.
—Boniface Wimmer, Letters of An American Abbot, written after he had been elected Abbot for life.