|
Volume 32, Number 3 |
Richardton, ND 58652 |
July 2004 |
Monks Choose Brian Wangler
As Their New Abbot
by Terrence Kardong, O.S.B.
The church bells of Assumption Abbey rang out a special peal of joy on Friday morning,
May 28, as the monks announced their election of Fr. Brian Wangler as the eighth
abbot of the 111 year-
Henry Wangler was born October 19, 1943, to Valentine and Mary Wangler, who farmed
near Napoleon in Logan County. Henry spent most of his secondary school years (1958-
Upon his return to North Dakota, Fr. Brian worked as a college recruiter, a parish
priest and within the Abbey as Prior and Novice Master. During the years 1975-
In the summer of 1983, Fr. Brian was named Pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Richardton.
The past few years found Fr. Brian involved in the renovation of the historic St.
Mary's/Abbey church. He was deeply engaged in the planning and the fund-
The new abbot is now in charge of some 60 monks who make up the roster of Assumption.
As the head of a large, complex organization, Abbot Brian will be called on to exercise
his administrative skills, and to oversee the variety of works carried on by the
monks. But he is primarily seen as a pastor and father to each member of the community,
and he is believed to symbolize Christ in a special way for them. Since he has lived
at the Abbey for many years and been active in its internal affairs, some aspects
of the abbot's ministry are familiar to him. But he and the monks know that important
changes in rural society and church will require them to meet new The church bells
of Assumption Abbey rang out a special peal of joy on Friday morning, May 28, as
the monks announced their election of Fr. Brian Wangler as the eighth abbot of the
111 year-
Henry Wangler was born October 19, 1943, to Valentine and Mary Wangler, who farmed
near Napoleon in Logan County. Henry spent most of his secondary school years (1958-
Upon his return to North Dakota, Fr. Brian worked as a college recruiter, a parish
priest and within the Abbey as Prior and Novice Master. During the years 1975-
In the summer of 1983, Fr. Brian was named Pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Richardton.
The past few years found Fr. Brian involved in the renovation of the historic St.
Mary's/Abbey church. He was deeply engaged in the planning and the fund-
The new abbot is now in charge of some 60 monks who make up the roster of Assumption. As the head of a large, complex organization, Abbot Brian will be called on to exercise his administrative skills, and to oversee the variety of works carried on by the monks. But he is primarily seen as a pastor and father to each member of the community, and he is believed to symbolize Christ in a special way for them. Since he has lived at the Abbey for many years and been active in its internal affairs, some aspects of the abbot's ministry are familiar to him. But he and the monks know that important changes in rural society and church will require them challenges in the years to come.
Immediately after the election and kiss of peace, the monks assembled on the church steps for a group photograph. After the tension of the morning, it was a good time for relaxed banter and kidding.
After the election the monks processed to the church for a brief ceremony of peace. Here the new Abbot blesses the community. Bro. Alban is holding the book, at the left is Abbot Timothy Kelly, President of the American Cassinese Congregation.
