The nuns elect one of their number as Abbess, not in a political way, but after prayer for light to the Holy Spirit.
The Abbess is elected for 12 years, and she appoints all the others to their jobs.
The Abbess stands for Christ in the community. She is called Mother and her signs of office are the Cross she wears, and the Crozier or shepherd’s crook.
All the nuns in the community in Solemn Vows, that is, the permanent members, have a vote in the election, and they are all candidates too.
The Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation comes to hold the Abbatial Election and he confirms the nun elected in her office.
She is later given a Solemn Blessing by the Bishop.
