Abbess President of the Cistercian Congregation of St. Bernard (CCSB)

In brief

Mother Pilar Avellaneda Ruiz has been elected Abbess President of the Cistercian Congregation of St. Bernard (CCSB). A nun from the Abbey of La Encarnación in Córdoba and a promoter of the CCSB General Chapter, she was elected on September 12, 2026, during a session presided over by the Abbot General.

Mother Avellaneda Ruiz succeeds Mother Angelines de Frutos Benito, who has held the position since 2013. The members of the order expressed gratitude to Mother Angelines for her years of service.