Cistercians hold XI General Chapter at Huelgas Monastery

Abbesses and prioresses from 17 monasteries gathered at the Santa María la Real de Huelgas Monastery on September 10 to begin the XI General Chapter of the Cistercian Congregation of San Bernardo. The assembly aims to elect a new Abbess General.

Mother Angelines de Frutos Benito, the Abbess General and abbess of the Santa María la Real de Huelgas community, presided over the session. The general abbot of the Order, Bernardus Peters, celebrated the Eucharist accompanied by Father Marco Antonio, a monk from Jacona, Mexico, and the superior of Acey, France, and Father Rafael García Pelayo, who is serving as a translator.

The presiding abbess read the records of the Congregation from the last 3 years, noting the importance of revitalizing the Cistercian charism regarding new societal challenges and synodality.