The Blessing of Abbot Michael Liebl OSB

On Saturday September 29th, on the Feast of the Archangels, Abbot Michael Liebl was blessed as the 3rd Abbot of Mount Michael Abbey. Performing the blessing at St. Patrick’s Church in Fremont, Nebraska was Omaha’s Archbishop Elden Curtis.

The ceremony began with a large processional entrance consisting of the Benedictine monks of Mount Michael and visiting Benedictines, guest clergy, and visiting Abbots and Bishops.

The voices of the Mount Michael Choir and Strings matched the beauty of the surroundings throughout the service.

For the blessing Prior Richard Thell of Mount Michael presented Abbot Michael to Archbishop Curits. Then the “Holy rule of St. Benedict”, was brought forward and presented to Abbot Michael. Abbot Michael will use the wisdom contained in the rule as a guide for governing the monastery entrusted to him. Then the Archbishop presented Abbot Michael with the ring, miter and crosier (pastoral staff) as symbols of his role as Abbot of Mount Michael Abbey and a Prelate of the Church.

At the conclusion of the Eucharist everyone gathered in the parish center to celebrate the day. It is estimated that over 800 people were in attendance.