The Reform of the Blessing of Abbots and Abbesses and the Ecclesiological Significance of the Ordo benedictionis abbatis et abbatissae (1970)

In view of the principle of lex orandi, lex credendi, liturgical books are the essential embodiment of conciliar theology. This paper examines the reform of the rite of the blessing of the abbots and abbesses in the Roman Pontifical (1970), with reference to its ecclesiological aspects. The rite reflects the role of the abbots and abbesses in and towards the monastic community, avoiding the confusion with the episcopal ordination. At the same time, it includes references to abbot ordinaries. Further, it also points to the role of the community, i.e. of lay men and women in the election of the abbot and abbess.