An abbess is the female superior of a convent or abbey of nuns. She holds a position of authority and spiritual leadership, overseeing the daily life, religious practices, and temporal affairs of the community. The abbess is elected by the nuns and serves as their spiritual mother, providing guidance, counsel, and administering the rules of the monastic order. Her responsibilities encompass both the spiritual well-being of the nuns and the management of the convent's resources and external relations. She is a symbol of religious authority and female leadership within the church.
Abbess meaning with examples
- The newly elected abbess took her vows and assumed the role of spiritual mother to her monastic order. She devoted herself to her duties, ensuring that the nuns under her care followed their spiritual discipline. During the Reformation, the abbess worked diligently to protect her abbey from being dissolved. Her leadership ensured the convent flourished.
- The visiting bishop met with the abbess to discuss the abbey's financial needs, providing insight on various programs and services she oversaw. She was known for her prudent management and her dedication to the education of young women. The abbess had to make tough decisions to navigate challenges facing the community, like conflicts with local villagers.
- In medieval times, the abbess wielded considerable influence, sometimes even possessing significant landholdings. Her power stemmed from her spiritual authority and her ability to manage the abbey's wealth and resources. The abbess often acted as a patron of the arts and supported the development of libraries. She fostered an environment for intellectual and cultural pursuits.
- The abbess, with her deep faith, spent hours in prayer, leading her sisters in devotions. She held her role with grace and dignity, providing a sense of order and direction for the nuns. She was compassionate and understanding to her sisters' needs. The abbess also took an active role in the abbey's outreach programs, contributing to her community.
- Abbess Eleanor's presence in the community was a symbol of religious authority.
- Abbess Matilda often had to manage complex internal issues within the abbey.
Abbess Synonyms
administrator governess head nun mother superior prioress (in some orders) superiorAbbess Antonyms
inferior layperson monk (if referring to a male leader) prior subordinateAbbess Crossword Answers
3 Letters
NUN
8 Letters
SUPERIOR PRIORESS
14 Letters
MOTHERSUPERIOR