Father Cassian Folsom, February 2016 (Photo illustration by Rod Dreher)
Shocking news from Norcia this morning, in this letter Father Cassian sent out to the monks’ supporters worldwide:
In the history of every new community, the transition from the founder to the next generation of leadership is a positive sign of growth and maturity. I am happy to announce that the monastic community of Norcia has reached this important moment.
The earthquakes of the past several months have presented us with incredible challenges, which require vigorous, creative leadership. While I am in good health at the moment, I do not have the strength or energy necessary to meet these challenges. Therefore it is time to pass the baton to younger, more energetic hands. After consulting the chapter members of the monastery, I submitted my resignation to the Abbot Primate, the Most. Rev. Gregory Polan, O.S.B., who appointed Fr. Benedict Nivakoff, O.S.B., to take my place.
Fr. Benedict is extremely well-qualified to lead the community. He has much experience as Subprior and Novice Master, and possesses the human and spiritual qualities necessary to guide the monastery in these difficult times. As for me, after eighteen years of intense labor, I am ready to accept a less demanding assignment, and will continue to serve the community in whatever way I can, especially as a liaison with our many friends and benefactors.
When St. Paul talks about the transition of leadership in the church of Corinth, he writes: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Cor 3:6). We give thanks for the life of our community: for the planting, for the watering and for the growth that comes from God.
Fr. Cassian Folsom, O.S.B.
November 22, 2016
Father Benedict, the new prior, adds:
In 18 years, a new life is conceived, cared for in the womb, coddled in the crib, accompanied on first steps, then school, and at last graduates from high school before moving on to college or the workforce. For our founder, Fr. Cassian,
Fr Benedict Nivakoff, the new prior of Norcia
these last 18 years have meant all that labor multiplied many times over. His indefatigable work to re-found traditional monastic life in Norcia gave to the Church signs of life for which his monks and Catholics worldwide are profoundly grateful.
Now Fr. Cassian is giving another gift, and we hope not the last. In resigning and passing the custody of our monastic community to another, he is offering to accompany us as we continue to grow. Though he is retiring and will no longer serve as prior, he will continue to be, in an even deeper way, father to the monastery and the town of Norcia.
Following the earthquakes that destroyed our church and monastery, we monks have come to appreciate that the spirit of monastic life Fr. Cassian instilled in our community transcends walls and buildings. As Fr. Cassian once said, the monastery exists as a lighthouse. We exist as a lighthouse so that souls tossed about at sea might traverse the waves of this world and find rest in the harbor of God. But before we monks can summon others to shore, we must ourselves draw close to the light that is Christ. It is our vocation, our duty and delight to be always seeking Him. It is my honor and joy now to lead my brothers in our search for God, through His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. For this I and my brother monks ask your continued prayers.
Fr. Benedict
Prior
This is news both sad — for Father Cassian — and joyful, for Father Benedict. If you’re the sort of person who prays, please give them both your prayers. What a year this has been for the monks and the people of Norcia. I am convinced that in the decades to come, Father Cassian will be celebrated as one of the true heroes of the Church in his time, a man who laid the groundwork for the restoration. Watch:
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