Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance: OCSO

Mepkin

On 15 January 2026, the community of Mepkin (Diocese of Charleston, South Carolina, USA) elected Dom Gerard Jonas Palmares as abbot for a six-year term.

Dom Gerard was born in 1964 in Lipa City (Philippines). He was was ordained a priest in the Philippines in 1991 before entered Mepkin in 2010, where he made his solemn profession in 2017.

Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance: OCSO

Matutum

On January 11, 2026,
Sister Gennifer Gadian
made solemn profession at the monastery of Our Lady of Mt. Matutum (Philippines)

Sister Gennifer was born in 1989 in Polomolok, South Cotabato (Philippines);
she entered Matutum in 2016 and made first profession in 2020.

Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance: OCSO

Laval

On January 10, 2026,
Sister Marie-Marthe Cogan
made solemn profession at the monastery of N.-D. de La Coudre (France).

Sister Marie-Marthe was born in 1976 in Angers (France);
she entered Laval in 2018 and made first profession in 2020.

Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance: OCSO

Course for New Superiors (11-24 November 2026)

Location: Casa Divin Maestro, Rome
Sessions: November 12 to 23, 2026

Arrival: Wednesday, 11 November / Departure: Tuesday, 24 November

Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance: OCSO

Travel of the Abbot General

January 4 – February 7 : Gedono, Ketapang, Rawaseneng, Lamanabi (Indonesia), Sujong (South Korea)

February 16 – 21 : Bethlehem (Ireland)

February 21 – 26 : Sept-Fons (France)

March 16 – 29 : Maromby (Madagascar)

April 1 – 6 : Fons Pacis (Syria)

April 17 – 21 : REM Regional Meeting, Palaçoulo (Portugal)

April 21 – 30 : Paraiso, Esmeraldas (Ecuador)

June 15 – 19 : Aiguebelle (France)

Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance: OCSO

Gethsemani

On December 28, 2025,
Feast of the Holy Family,
Brother Godric Hathorn
made solemn profession
at the monastery of Gethsemani (United States).

Brother Godric was born in 1975 in Gulfport, Mississippi (United States).
He entered Gethsemani in 2019 and made his first profession in 2021.