By Michael Motes

The re-election of the Right Reverend Don Augustine Moore, OCSO, as Abbot of the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit in Conyers had brought about “a new kind of dedication” to the Trappist monk.

As he begins his third term as abbot, Dom Augustine jokingly says that his fellow community members “were silly enough to re-elect me and I promise to do a good job for them.”

Serving as abbot is nothing new for him. In November 1957, he was elected abbot of the same community. At that time, elections were for life and Dom Augustine made monastic history when he resigned as “life-time abbot” six years ago, having received special permission to do so from his superior at the time, Ignance Gilly.

Three years ago, a change in the Cistercians order allowed for the election of abbots for a six-year term or for an “indefinite term.” Dom Augustine explained that “by indefinite, it normally means a term for life.”

The order allows for a newly elected abbot to make the choice whether he will serve the six-year or “indefinite” term. Dom Augustine has again chosen the six-year term.

The official certification of his election and installation came from Timothy Kelly, Father Immediate of the Motherhouse of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists). It reads:

“In the name of the Lord, be it known to you and to all whom it is of interest, that Right Reverend Father Dom Augustine Moore, professed monk of the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, on the 17^th day of August 1977 was re-elected abbot of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Georgia.

“He was confirmed in this election for a six-year term by the Most Reverend Dom Ambrose Southey, Abbot General of the Order of the Cistercians, and was installed as abbot the same day.

“Therefore, we ask that you and your community unite your prayers with ours for the new abbot and for the peace and prosperity of his monastery.”

Since he has previously served as abbot, there will be no official blessing. When he was first elected in 1957, he was blessed on December 12 of that year by the late Bishop Francis E. Hyland at the Cathedral of Christ the King.

“It was the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe,” he recalls, “but it was also the coldest day in the history of Atlanta! I was surprised that anyone came to the ceremony in such cold weather.”

Upon receiving word of his election, the abbot telephoned Archbishop Donnellan, who offered his congratulations.

Although he is not a “pioneer” of the first group of Trappists that came to Georgia, Dom Augustine arrived in November 1944. The first group came from the motherhouse in Gethsemane, Kentucky, in March 1944. At that time, the future abbot was still in the novitiate. He joined the new community at Conyers as soon as he professed in November.

Candidates for abbot may come from any community within the order. Anyone is eligible for the position who has been in the order for 10 years, has professed and is a priest.

All monks who have been in the local community for five years and who have made their solemn profession are entitled to vote.

“There were no campaign speeches and I had no platform for the election,” the abbot laughingly said. “But prior to the election, we put the Holy Spirit on the spot! We said the Novena of the Holy Spirit at the Office of Lauds, sang for guidance, exposed the Blessed Sacrament and prayed daily for guidance in our choice.

“It is a real vote of confidence for me and I feel a new kind of dedication. It really means a lot to me,” he said.

The abbot’s excellent outlook on life and his quick wit were demonstrated during our interview. Earlier in the day, an electrical fire had destroyed the largest of the monastery’s several greenhouses. The building loss was estimated at $10,000 plus an additional $15,000 loss of plants, which were about to be shipped to fill several large orders.

“The men had worked until noon and then left the greenhouse. Luckily, a visitor saw the smoke and told Father Michael, who sounded the siren we have for emergency use. The fire was so advanced by that time however, that it was completely out of control and the building and plants were a total loss.

“Father Bob Pearson, who is in charge of the greenhouse, was very distressed over the loss. I tried to console him. ‘Bob,’ I said, ‘the Lord has given and the Lord has taken away.’ I hoped I helped him.

The Monastery of the Holy Spirit is located on Highway 212 in Conyers. The Abbot and his community welcome visitors, either for an afternoon or for several days. Retreats may be made with or without guidance and supervision. For information, call 483-8705 or 483-9894 or write Guestmaster, Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 3780 Highway 212 S.W., Conyers, GA 30207.