Irish abbot to head Cistercians

The abbot of Mount Melleray monastery in County Waterford, Dom Eamon Fitzgerald, has been elected as abbot general of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance.

Dom Eamon who is 63, has served four six-year terms as abbot of his own abbey.

He succeeds Dom Bernardo who has served for the last eighteen years as the congregation’s abbot general.

There are currently almost 2,200 monks and 1,800 nuns in 47 countries in the order which is commonly known as the ‘Trappists’.

The congregation has 97 monasteries of monks and 72 of nuns.

Commenting  on Dom Fitzgerald’s appointment as abbot-general, Bishop William Lee of Waterford and Lismore said he extended “warmest congratulations on behalf of the people of the diocese”.

The bishop said he had known the new abbot general for many years.

“He is a man of deep spirituality, blessed with a great love for the Church. He will bring a wealth of experience to his new ministry”.

Dr Lee said he gave thanks to his community at Mount Melleray “for the gift of one of their own to the wider Church”.

“All who know him will rejoice with me today in wishing him every blessing in his new ministry”.

Dom Fitzgerald was elected Monday  at Assisi at the Cistercian General Chapter of abbots and abbesses.