Benedictine Sisters

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Communio Internationalis
Benedictinarum

Uniting Benedictine women worldwide in monastic life, communion, and mutual support since 2001

About the CIB

The Communio Internationalis Benedictinarum unites all communities of Benedictine women recognized by the Abbot Primate, fostering communion and mutual support across the globe.

Our Mission

To promote the Benedictine monastic life, allowing women worldwide to share experiences and work together in communion.

Global Reach

Organized into 19 regions spanning every continent, connecting Benedictine women from diverse cultures and traditions.

Communion

Building bonds of sisterhood and mutual support among communities following the Rule of St. Benedict.

Our History

1886–1893

Pope Leo XIII took steps toward establishing the Benedictine Confederation, with the Abbot Primate as a unifying figure at S. Anselmo in Rome. There was no parallel foundation for Benedictine women.

1962

The Second Vatican Council began a new period of renewal in religious life that would later encourage networking and collaboration among communities.

1968

Abbot Primate Rembert Weakland forms Commission for nuns and sisters

1980

55 abbesses and prioresses attend Centenary Symposium in Rome

1987

First International Symposium held in Rome

2001

CIB officially established in Nairobi, Kenya

Leadership

CIB Moderator

Sr. Lynn Marie McKenzie

Sacred Heart Monastery, Cullman, Alabama, USA

Assistant Moderator

Sr. Franziska Lukas

Abbess of St. Scholastika Abbey, Dinklage, Germany

Administrative Council

Abbess Anna Brennan

England

Administrative Council

M. Cecile Lañas

Philippines

Administrative Council

Abbess Hilda Scott

Oceania

Administrative Council

M. Maria del Mar Albajar i Viñas

Sant Benet Monastery, Montserrat (Barcelona)

CIB Secretary

Sr. Mary Luke Jones

Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, Indiana

Sr. Mary Luke Jones

Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, Indiana

Meetings

Recent CIB meetings and conferences.

View Meeting Archive

Regions

List of Regions sending Delegates to the C.I.B. Conferences

1

Italy and Malta

Italy, Malta

www.benedettineitaliane.org
2

Spain and Portugal

Spain, Portugal

3

France and Israel

France, Israel

4

Great Britain and Ireland

Great Britain, Ireland

5

Benelux

Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg

6

GASS

Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Scandinavia

8

Croatia

Croatia

9

USA, Canada

USA, Canada (with three delegates)

10

ABECCA

Benedictine-Cistercian Association of the Caribbean and the Andes

Mexico, Caribbean Islands, Central America, North America, South America

11

Brazil

Brazil

12

Cono-Sur

Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru

13

Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam

Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam

14

Philippines

Philippines

15

Oceania

Oceania

16

East Africa

East Africa

17

Central and W. Africa and Madagascar

Central Africa, West Africa, Madagascar

18

South Africa, Namibia

South Africa, Namibia

19

India, Sri Lanka

India, Sri Lanka

News & Updates

Stay informed about the latest developments in our international community.

March 10, 2023

New Regional Delegates Appointed

Several regions have elected new delegates to represent their communities at the CIB Conference.

Read More

September 30, 2022

CIB Conference 2022 Highlights

Delegates from around the world gathered in Rome to discuss the future of Benedictine women's communities and share experiences.

Read More

November 15, 2021

Celebrating 20 Years of CIB

Reflecting on two decades of international communion among Benedictine women since our founding in Nairobi, Kenya.

Read More

Posts

Selected posts from the CIB website.

21 November 2023

Newsletter Issue 19, November 2023

S. Lynn McKenzie (CIB Moderator)

Read More

13 June 2023

Sister Judith Ann Heble, OSB

S. Lynn McKenzie (CIB Moderator)

Read More

25 February 2023

Newsletter Issue 18, February 2023

S. Lynn McKenzie (CIB Moderator)

Read More

10 February 2023

Greetings on the Feast of Saint Scholastica

S. Lynn McKenzie (CIB Moderator)

Read More

17 December 2022

Letter from Abbot Primate Gregory, 17 December 2022

admin (Abbot Primate)

Read More

8 September 2022

CIB Conference Meeting in Rome, September 2022

admin (CIB Moderator)

Read More

23 March 2022

Letter from Abbot Primate Gregory, March 2022

admin (Abbot Primate)

Read More

9 February 2022

Newsletter Issue 17, February 2022

S. Lynn McKenzie (CIB Moderator)

Read More

5 October 2021

Letter from Abbot Primate Gregory, October 2021

admin (Abbot Primate)

Read More

7 September 2021

CIB Conference of Delegates, 4–7 September 2021

S. Lynn McKenzie (CIB Moderator)

Virtual Conference

Read More

View all posts

Get in Touch

We welcome your inquiries. Contact us through your regional representative or use the form below.

Send a Message

Support Our Mission

Your donation helps support Benedictine women's communities around the world, enabling us to continue our work of communion and mutual support.

Make a Donation

Regional Representatives

For specific regional inquiries, please contact your local CIB delegate. Visit the Regions section to find contact information for your area.

A.I.M. Contact

For matters related to the Alliance InterMonastères:

[email protected]