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News > News from The Old Place > Worth elects a new Abbot

Worth elects a new Abbot

Dom Mark Barrett has been elected the 7th Abbot of Worth Abbey
Abbot Geoffrey Scott, Abbot of Douai and Abbot Mark Barrett
Abbot Geoffrey Scott, Abbot of Douai and Abbot Mark Barrett

The monks of Worth Abbey, the Abbey of Our Lady Help of Christians, are delighted to announce the election of Dom Mark Barrett as the seventh Abbot of Worth Abbey on 8th June 2021, for a period of eight years. Dom Mark succeeds Abbot Luke Jolly C'71, who is retiring having completed his term of office.

Abbot Geoffrey Scott, Abbot of Douai and First Assistant to the Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation, (to the left of the photo) conducted the election.

"The task of a Benedictine Abbot is to articulate the rhythm of the monastery and bring the many different gifts of the brethren together", Abbot Mark said. "It is a challenge to be asked to undertake this responsibility, and a genuine honour."

Abbot Mark was born in West Yorkshire in 1957. He is a graduate of Cambridge and London Universities. He has been a teacher of Christian Spirituality at both secondary and tertiary levels, and is the author of several books, including The Wind, the Fountain, and the Fire, the Bloomsbury Lent book of 2020.

Abbot Mark has also formally appointed as Prior (his second in command) Fr Peter Williams, former School Chaplain and now director of The Open Cloister. 

The Abbatial Blessing will take place on Saturday 11th September.

Wishing Abbot Mark our many congratulations!

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