The abbot designates the prelate who is at the head of an abbey. Ordinarily, this is the principal superior of a canonry. All prelates are not necessarily abbots, thus, in certain circumstances, a prior or an administrator may be the principal superior of a canonry. Historically, the figure of the abbot takes precedence and constitutes the norm.
Among the Premonstratensians, he is usually elected by all the professed brethren at a chapter meeting. He may be elected for life with the fixing of an age limit being required, or for a relatively long period which is renewable. He must receive, in the three months following his election, the abbatial benediction which is conferred upon him by the bishop of the place or by another abbot. He receives the ring, as a sign of fidelity to the Church where he represents Christ-Husband, the mitre, because he hold the place of Christ-Head, and the cross, since he must march at the head of his flock like Christ-Pastor. As Husband of the Church for which he has the responsibility, he becomes a father for his brothers whom he loves in truth; as head of the body that constitutes the canonry, he inspires his community’s pastoral action and harmonises it with the apostolic action of the dioceses into which it is integrated; as pastor, he watches over the sheep which have been entrusted to him to lead the toward good pastures, not as a master but as a servant who must tremble in thinking of the account that he shall have to give one day.
[updated on the 20.12.05]
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