FR. JONATHAN LICARI, O.S.B APPOINTED ADMINISTRATOR OF ST. MARY’S ABBEY

Fr. Licari to Lead for a 3-Year Term

FR. JONATHAN LICARI, O.S.B APPOINTED ADMINISTRATOR OF ST. MARY’S ABBEY

Jessica Fiddes, Dir. of Marketing and Communications, Delbarton School

On Monday, May 23, 2022, Abbot John Klassen, O.S.B., President of the American Cassinese
Congregation of Benedictine monasteries, appointed Fr. Jonathan Licari, O.S.B., a monk of St.
John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota, as Administrator of St. Mary’s Abbey for a three-year
term, effective August 1, 2022.

Fr. Jonathan’s wide range and depth of experience suit him especially well for role of
Administrator of St. Mary’s Abbey. He holds two master’s degrees (Theology and Canon
[Church] Law, and a doctorate in Canon Law. Fr. Jonathan has had a 37-year ministry in
administration at St. John’s Abbey, St. John’s School of Theology and St. John’s Preparatory
School. Fr. Jonathan has also served as a pastor in several parishes staffed by St. John’s Abbey
and has provided diocesan service in the dioceses of Duluth, and St. Cloud. Fr. Jonathan’s
service at St. John’s has also included teaching and governance at St. John’s University, the
Abbey’s largest educational apostolate. Most recently, Fr. Jonathan has served as administrator
of Mary, Mother of the Church Abbey, Richmond, VA.

As Administrator of St. Mary’s Abbey, Fr. Jonathan holds all of the usual responsibilities and
authority of the Abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey, without the title of “Abbot.” His chief
responsibility will be to aid the monks of St. Mary’s Abbey as they plan for their future and
discern what kind of person they wish to serve as their permanent abbot. Together with the
monastic community, Fr. Jonathan will determine when the next abbatial election will take place.