THE ABBEY
                                           PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND
                                                         02871


Office of the Abbot


January 12, 2005


Dear Friends of Portsmouth Abbey and School,

I wish to announce that I am resigning from the position of abbot during the early part of March 2005. This has been the most difficult decision of my life and one that I have patiently and carefully reviewed for a few years. Indeed, I have discussed this several times with the Abbot President of our Congregation since October 2002.

I have served as abbot for almost fourteen years, five of which I was also headmaster. During this period I have been the beneficiary of many blessings, and I hope I have provided some modest service to monastery and school. Despite the opportunity of a recent sabbatical, I know in my heart that I have given, with God's help, what I can to this position of leadership. My health is excellent in every regard, yet the accumulated administrative and institutional responsibilities have made very large demands on my energy and spirit, and I need to acknowledge it is time to move into a different period of monastic life. There is never an "ideal" time to make these transitions, so the best measure is what is discerned as true in my conscience before God.

My first expression of gratitude goes to the monastic community for placing their trust in me these years as their abbot. The Portsmouth monks are men who truly seek God. In addition, during my tenure I have had the good fortune of getting to know many wonderful people associated with the monastery and school. I am grateful to them for their many kindnesses and friendship. During these days I will offer a Mass of thanksgiving for all the blessings I have received from so many people.

The monastic community will, in the coming few months, be making decisions about its future leadership. I ask that you keep the community in your prayers. We will, of course, keep you informed as developments occur. Your continued support and love of both monastery and school is deeply appreciated.

Shortly after leaving office I will go to another monastery to pray and work. I have not yet decided which monastery. I was recently elected Chairman of the Board of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, and expect to continue to contribute to their work.

May God's peace and blessings be abundantly yours, in all times and places may we courageously place our trust and lives in the Lord's hands. All of you will be remembered often in my prayers.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
 

Mark Serna, O.S.B.
Abbot