New abbot elected at Gethsemani abbey
Marnie McAllister
Record Staff Writer
Abbot Elias Dietz is the 10th abbot of Trappist monastery in Nelson County

Trappist Father Elias Dietz has been named the 10th abbot of the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, Ky., after an election by the monastic community April 29. He was elected to serve a six-year term.

The new abbot succeeds Abbot Damien Thompson, who resigned March 30 as leader of the 160-year-old Trappist monastery — which is the oldest in the United States. He served as abbot for eight years.

Abbot Dietz is currently serving as secretary to the Abbot General of the Order of Cistercians in Rome. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1959 and entered the Abbey of Gethsemani in 1988. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Thomas C. Kelly Jan. 25, 2003.

The new abbot served once before as secretary to the Abbot General in the 1990s. He also has served as editor of Cistercian Studies Quarterly and as director of vocations and choir master at the Abbey of Gethsemani.

Brother Luke Armour, director of vocations for the monastery, said Abbot Dietz is highly regarded in the community and is known for his focus, discipline, dedication and erudition. He is also a gifted musician.

“We are pleased and encouraged by the choice of this brother who is highly esteemed and highly regarded in our community,” said Brother Armour in a telephone interview after the election. “He is highly qualified.”

Brother Armour added, “He’s the kind of guy who’s right there when you ask for help.”

Forty-five members of the community at Gethsemani took part in the election of Abbot Dietz. The abbey currently is home to about 50 men, 14 of whom are priests. In addition, three abbots from Gethsemani’s “daughter” monasteries — communities that have formed from Gethsemani — took part in the election. Gethsemani has six daughter monasteries in the United States.

Following the election, the community of Gethsemani called the Abbot General’s office in Rome in order to confirm the election, seeking approval for the selection from both the new abbot and the Abbot General.

Under a new mandate made by the electors, Abbot Dietz will serve a six-year term, a departure from tradition that called for an indefinite term of office. Brother Armour said that an indefinite term of office is still the norm in Cistercian communities, but many are adopting term limits. The limit is determined prior to each election. And despite a term limit, incumbent abbots may be re-elected.

Abbot Dietz’s installation will be delayed until his return to the United States, which has not yet been scheduled but is expected within a month or so if not sooner. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz will conduct an abbatial blessing of the new abbot on June 15 in the abbey church.

During the interim, the abbey’s prior, Brother Gerlac O’Loughlin, is serving as superior.

Archbishop Kurtz said he rejoiced at the election of the new abbot and offered his prayers and support for Abbot Dietz.

“While I have not met Father Elias (Dietz), I know of his sterling reputation and look forward to working with him,” the archbishop said in a statement. “Since 1848 the Church of Louisville has been blessed by this contemplative community of Trappists, who have enriched both the local Church and the international community with their presence.”

Archbishop Kurtz also offered thanks to Abbot Thompson “for his leadership of the community and for his friendship during my short time as archbishop.”

“I also want to thank the community for their welcome to me during my monthly visits for rest and spiritual renewal,” he said. “I, like so many, have found a spiritual home in the monastery of Our Lady of Gethsemani. May God bless Abbot Elias and give him strength and peace as he leads his community, ever hoping in the Lord Jesus.”