Abbot
As his name (which comes from the Aramaic word 'abba' meaning 'father') indicates, the abbot is the father of a monastic community. He is elected by the chapter members and represents Christ, the Good Shepherd, in our midst, leading his sheep by example and by teaching. He is in charge of governing all spiritual and practical matters in the monastery. He is supported in this task by his councillors. St Benedict devotes two chapters (2 and 64) to the abbot in his Rule.