ALTHOX

Hildegard XII Century Nun who became Abbess Photo Source Picasa Web abum View License  Details Click Here An abbess (Abbatissa Latin, feminine form of Abbas, abbot) Is a superior woman, known as Mother Superior (a), Of an abbey of nuns. In the Catholic Church (both Eastern and Roman Catholic), Orthodox, Coptic and Anglican abbeys. The mode of election, position, rights and authority of an abbess correspond generally with those of an abbot. The office is elective, the choice to be by secret ballot of nuns belonging to the community. As an abbot, the abbess is solemnly admitted to his office for formal blessing, conferred by the bishop in whose territory is situated the monastery, or by an abbot or another bishop, with permission. Unlike the abbot, abbess only get the ring and a copy of the rule of the order. She receives a miter, or is given a staff as part of the ceremony, however, by ancient tradition, you can take a...