Abbot Vanden Branden’s role as a spiritual father confirmed during abbatial blessing Mass
By Jeff Kurowski | For On Mission
DE PERE, WI — Norbertine Abbot Bradley Vanden Branden had a desire for his abbatial blessing, celebrated on April 18 at St. Norbert Abbey, and he believes it was achieved.
The eighth abbot of St. Norbert Abbey sought that “God would be glorified.”
“I hope that you felt that in prayer,” he said to those gathered.
Abbot Vanden Branden became abbot of St. Norbert Abbey upon his election on January 15. The blessing is a rite in which the bishop confirms the abbot’s role as spiritual father. Following the Glory to God, Bishop David Ricken, the principal celebrant, read the Collect, concluding the introductory rites of the Mass:
“Grant we pray O Lord, to your servant Bradley, whom you have chosen as abbot of this community of St. Norbert Abbey, that by his deeds and his teaching he may guide the hearts of his brothers toward those things that are right, and so receive joyfully with them the recompense of an eternal reward from you, the most loving Shepherd. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.”
The blessing rite began with the presentation of Abbot Vanden Branden. In his homily, Bishop Ricken said that there is significance that the new abbot was elected at the time of Pope Leo XIV, who is from the Order of St. Augustine.
Bishop Ricken noted the inspiration St. Augustine has provided Abbot Vanden Branden. The blessing rite included the presentation of “The Rule of St. Augustine.”
Bishop Ricken focused on three points in his homily. The first was the gift of the call to be the spiritual father. He encouraged Abbot Vanden Branden to give “through the Holy Gospel.”
“Authority is a fatherly service not for domination,” Bishop Ricken said.
His second point was to shepherd and assist communio.
“Communio and unity are core values of this abbey,” he said. “Depend upon the Holy Spirit.”
Bishop Ricken reread the Gospel reading from the blessing, Luke 22:24-27, which centers on the theme of the one who serves being the greater. The Gospel also alludes to the youngest being chosen.
He mentioned Abbot Vanden Branden being abbot at a young age and said, “but that will disappear in time,” which drew laughs from the congregation.
His third point was the call to promote unity.
“I have seen your ability, Fr. Brad, to bring people and groups together,” Bishop Ricken said.
He reread the second reading, Ephesians 4:1-6, which features a message of preserving unity through peace.
“One body, one spirit. You will have to say that over and over, centered in Christ,” he said.
“Don’t be afraid to listen to your peers. Walk closer to Christ. It’s an honor to bless you, Abbot Brad. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. The people here are so good,” he said to close his homily.
Bishop Ricken presented the pontifical insignia, the ring, miter and crozier to Abbot Vanden Branden.
In his remarks near the close of the liturgy, the new abbot shared gratitude and a call for peace.
“Thank you all very much,” he said. “Your presence means a great deal to me personally. On behalf of my confreres, I would like to express my dear gratitude.”
Abbots and priors from other states and other countries, including India, Brazil, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, attended. Abbot Vanden Branden offered thanks for the distances traveled. Gratitude was also directed to the diocesan priests and women religious who attended.
Addressing family and friends, Abbot Vanden Branden said, “Your love and support have meant more to me than I can say.”
He became emotional when speaking of the Norbertines of St. Norbert Abbey.
“You have shaped my life and the life of my family,” he said.
Above the coat of arms is a crozier. The cloth attached to the base of the crook of the crozier is known as a sudarium.
The image of the Fox River in blue represents that Abbot Vanden Branden is a son of De Pere. The river is flanked by black and yellow fields.
Orange is a favorite color of Abbot Vanden Branden and the national color of the Netherlands, thus the orange triangle. The abbot’s maternal side of the family is Dutch. The triangle is also a symbol of the Trinity.
Superimposed on the triangle is the burning restless heart of St. Augustine, whose rule the Norbertines follow.
Below are the three symbols of the sacred liturgy: the paschal candle, the organ pipes and the smoking thurible.
The motto that Abbot Vanden Branden selected is from Psalm 34: “Glorify the Lord with Me.”
(On Mission Media photo/Courtesy of St. Norbert Abbey)
Abbot Vanden Branden, who is a musician, described the music at the blessing as “glorious.”
Gina Schmalz cantored at the Mass. Devin Atteln was the organist. Sarah Parks, Ph.D., of St. Norbert College directed the choir, which featured the St. Norbert Abbey Festival Choir and the St. Norbert College Chamber Singers. The music ministry also featured a brass quintet, a string quartet, timpani, flute, and piano, played by Justin Krueger of St. Norbert College, who composed the communion antiphon for the blessing.
The abbot delivered a message of peace as part of his remarks.
“Peace sometimes feels far away, but peace is the first word the Risen Lord shared with his disciples, ‘Peace be with you,’” he said. “Search for peace. Peace is something we surrender to. It’s a gift from the Lord. … Let’s all commit ourselves to be people of peace.”
Abbot Vanden Branden described the role of abbot as “both a burden and blessing,” and asked for continued support and prayers.
Kally Verheyen, Abbot Vanden Branden’s sister, presented the gifts at the blessing Mass with her husband, Cody, and their two daughters. She said that she was struck by the beauty of the celebration and described the music as “so special.”
“Ever since he’s been little, he’s been drawn to music,” she said. “When we were little, we played church, and he played all the music. He’d be singing along.”
Verheyen said she is not surprised by her brother’s spiritual journey.
“He talked about priesthood for my whole life. It seems like it was the path he’s been meant for in life. I think that because he’s from here (De Pere) makes it more special,” she said. “(The blessing) was beautiful. I think it’s everything he’s ever imagined. I can’t see a better fit as abbot.”
Laurie Joyner, Ph.D., president of St. Norbert College, described the abbatial blessing, her first, as “incredibly beautiful and moving.”
“The music was magnificent, and the bishop always does a beautiful job of bringing everyone together,” she said.
Abbot Vanden Branden is a graduate of St. Norbert College.
“I’m proud to call him one of our own,” Joyner said. “I’m so looking forward to working with him. He’s an amazing leader. We meet once a month already. We have a lot of plans for further collaboration between the abbey and CatholicLink — the elementary schools, Notre Dame Academy (Green Bay) and the college.”
Abbot Vanden Branden asked his close friends, Kristy and Andrew LeGreve, to read at the liturgy.
“We were honored. I’ve known (Abbot Vanden Branden) since college. He’s a wonderful friend,” Kristy said. “The thing that’s incredible about him is he’s deeply spiritual, but he’s also just down to earth. He’s friends with everyone, and he’s very patient and kind.”
“All the years as prior really prepared him for the challenges,” Andrew said. “I think he’s realized how important it is to be a spiritual father to the community. I think that’s really on his heart. We’re happy to be friends with him and support him in any way he needs.”
“I’m so proud of him,” Kristy said. “I got teary-eyed. He’s like a brother to me.”