Benedictine monks at St. Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo elect new abbot
On June 22, the monastic chapter of St. Andrew’s Benedictine Abbey in Valyermo elected Fr. Damien Toilolo as abbot. He will serve an 8-year term. “Prior to the election, Abbot Damien was appointed Prior Administrator for a two year term (2008-2010),” says an announcement of the election posted on the abbey’s website. “In his twelve years as a member of the community, Abbot Damien also served as Subprior, novice master, and vocation director.” 
Abbot Damien was born in San Diego and raised in Los Angeles, according to a biography posted on the abbey’s website. He received his BA from California State University- Dominquez Hills, and later served as associate director of the Franciscan Youth Center in inner city Baltimore. Abbot Damien obtained a California teaching credential and taught grades 6-8 for a while before completing his studies in theology at Mount Angel Abbey in St. Benedict, Oregon. He was ordained a priest in 2005, and served as Director of Vocations and Master of Postulants until his appointment as Prior-Administrator of Saint Andrew's Abbey on June 13, 2008. “The monks of St. Andrew’s Abbey send a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for all the prayerful support they have received from family and friends,” said the announcement of Abbot Damien’s election. “May God be glorified in the work of the monks of Valyermo!” St. Andrew’s Abbey is named for its motherhouse in Brugge, Belgium. It was established in 1955 by a group of missionary monks who had been expelled from Communist China. Cardinal James McIntyre, then-Archbishop of Los Angeles, welcomed the refugee monks to the archdiocese, where they established the abbey on the grounds of the former Hidden Springs Ranch in Valyermo.
According to the abbey’s website, there are currently 14 monks at the community – 11 priests and three brothers. “The purpose of St. Andrew's Priory in Valyermo is therefore to carry on the ages-old tradition of the Order of St. Benedict, whose motto is -- Prayer and Work,” says the website.
From http://www.calcatholic.com/
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