Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance: OCSO

Sujong

Following the elevation of Sujong to the rank of Abbey, Mother Emmanuel Hong was elected the first Abbess of the Community on 26th November 2025 for a term of six years.

Mother Emmanuel was born in 1966 in Jeju (Republic of Korea), entered Sujong in 1994 and made solemn profession in 2001. She was titular prioress of the community from 2020 until now.

Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance: OCSO

Elevation of Sujong to an Abbey

“Let us rejoice!” (Ps. 117,24)

On November 24th, 2025 during a solemn Mass, celebrated by the Most Reverend Bishop Lee, the diocesan bishop, and in the presence of Dom Francisco Yoshimoto Kunihiko, Abbot of Phare and Father Immediate, the simple priory of Sujong was officialy elevated as an abbey, according to the decision of the General Chapter 2025.

The abbatial election will be held on November 26th 2025. We will pray for the community of Sujong and the up coming election.

Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance: OCSO

Mvanda

On November 22, 2025,
on the eve of Solemnity of Christ the King,
Sister Helene Amblaye
made solemn profession at the monastery of Mvanda (RD of Congo).

Sister Helene was born in 1980 in Bokoro (RD of Congo).
She entered Mvanda in 2015 and made her first profession in 2018.

Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance: OCSO

Matutum

On November 23, 2025,
Solemnity of Christ the King,
Sister Emily Mostajo
made solemn profession at the monastery of Matutum (Philippines).

Sister Emily was born in 1970 in Urdaneta, Pangasinan (Philippines).
She entered Matutum in 2017 and made her first profession in 2020.

Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance: OCSO

Humocaro

Mother Paola Pavoletti, abbess of Humocaro (Archdiocese of Barquisimeto, Venezuela) since 2008, having reached the retirement age mentioned in ST 40.A of the Constitutions, presented her resignation to the Abbot General. The Abbot General, with the consent of his Council, accepted the resignation, which became effective on 1 November 2025.

On 22 November 2025, the community elected Sister Sonia Timaure Rodríguez as abbess for a six-year term.

Mother Sonia was born in 1964 in Venezuela. She entered Humocaro in 1996 and made her solemn profession in 2002. At the time of her election, she was the prioress of the community.