in 1992, st. andrew's priory became an abbey. father francis benedict, osb was elected first abbot of st. andrew's abbey and received the abbatial blessing on august 2, 1992. francis benedict, served as abbot for sixteen years during which he served with unflagging devotion as shepherd of the monastery. the new welcome center and youth center chapel are the most recent and visible reminders of abbot francis’ deep commitment to the community. abbot francis stepped down in 2008 and became known as abbot emeritus.