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Abbot James R. Albers, O.S.B., is the ninth abbot of St. Benedict’s Abbey, serving in this role since December 2012. He hails originally from St. Joe (Ost), Kansas, west of Wichita, and grew up in Bendena, Kansas, attending St. Benedict’s Parish, which was founded by the monks of St. Benedict’s Abbey.

Abbot James attended Benedictine College as a fourth-generation legacy student, graduating in the spring of 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and theology. Following graduation he worked for PSI, Inc., as a communications editor in the company’s marketing office at its Lawrence, Kansas, corporate headquarters.

He professed vows at St. Benedict’s Abbey in December 1996 and began theology studies in the fall of 1997 at the Pontifical University of Sant’Anselmo, Rome, Italy. He earned his Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from Sant’Anselmo and was ordained to the sacred priesthood in July 2000.

Upon completing his studies, Abbot James served at Benedictine College in the role of Director of Alumni Relations, and in 2002 was appointed as Prior of the Abbey. He served in that role until his election as abbot, serving also as Vocations Director from 2005-2012. Abbot James regularly serves in parishes throughout the Archdiocese on weekends, and shares in the responsibilities of ministering to the students at Benedictine College by helping with chaplain duties.