St. John’s Abbey elects new abbot

For the last 20 odd years, students walking to and from the Great Hall have seen the same ten portraits hanging on the wall. A simple addition to this wall will soon reflect the much greater change for the monastic and wider community following the recent election of Douglas Mullin as the 11th abbot of Saint John’s Abbey.

Mullin accepted his role on Jan. 9 after receiving the necessary voting majority, just one day after nominations for the role were proposed. He steps into this position after several decades serving St. John’s Abbey, University and prep school, as well his most recent positions at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center as chaplain.

His predecessor, Abbot John Klassen, stepped down after 23 years as abbot, according to monastery rules which require that abbots resign at the age of 75.

The transition has not been easy for Mullin. The duties of an abbot are plentiful, as they assume a significant position of leadership, holding the place of Christ in the community. While this is a challenge for even the most prepared, Mullin faced the enormity of the job with a sense of shock and fear after learning that he had been nominated and as he contemplated the task ahead.

“Because the transition was unplanned and unexpected, I felt my life had gone out of control,” Mullin said via email. “While a few people had mentioned I had those qualities [of a leader], I talked with others whom I believed were much better positioned to lead our community forward. When I received the two-thirds majority of the votes on the ballot, I was stunned.”

Klassen empathizes deeply with the challenges of the job and does not downplay the joy he feels at passing the torch onto Mullin. Though rewarding, it is a demanding position to hold.

“When you’re in a leadership role, the first thing you do is you turn your schedule over to a secretary. The day is not open —you look at it and you say, ‘Well, what is the day going to bring?’ It’s a forced march,” Klassen said. “You have to be on top of it; you have to be ready for things, ready for people, ready for meetings. That takes good, thoughtful energy.”

Despite serving as abbot since 2000, he notes that the hardship of the job does not seem to ease with time, and there is always work to do. Now, Klassen is ready to devote his time to other assignments.

“I have a sense of sweet, sweet relief to be able to let go. At prayer, I’m not in a specific place. I’m sitting in the middle of the choir just hearing voices around me, listening and praying with them. That kind of return to being a part of the community in this way, without these responsibilities, is a load off.”

Thankfully for Mullin, the burden of the job does not rest solely on his shoulders; though he plays a key role in outreach and connecting different members of the community, his leadership will not be a solo effort.

“I had fear of the monumental work that Abbot John and his predecessors had done, and I knew I couldn’t do all that. I told my leadership team and the Senior Council of my fear, and they encouraged me to find my own leadership style,” Mullen said. “Even though I don’t have an agenda, my general style of leadership has been to build up the leadership capacity of the community, delegating and exercising shared responsibility for who we are, what we do and where we are going.”

Klassen credits this communal approach to problem-solving and development as a key element of being a successful leader. He felt very overwhelmed during his first few months as abbot, dreading the onslaught of crises thrown his way. Once he learned the importance of drawing others in for support and counsel, his load became a little lighter.

Though Mullin must find his footing in this role, he has both experience and support to bolster him through such a difficult change. Through many years as a teacher and administrator, he has developed a keen sense of listening and strives to create an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and supportive.

Furthermore, the love and support he has received from his brother monks and from the CSB+SJU community give him confidence and reassurance.

Last weekend’s abbatial blessing at Saint John’s Abbey was a symbol for the community that Mullin will oversee and continue to nurture growth in.

“The crowd included so many people from the St. John’s and St. Ben’s communities, as well as many people from near and far who love and care about St. John’s.” Mullin said. “The blessing, including both the liturgy and the reception, brought all these beautiful elements and people together in a spirit of abounding love and joy. This is St. John’s at its best.”