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Norbertines pick their sixth abbot

New abbot Abt. Gary J. Neville, O. Praem. Born: Dec. 15, 1950 Vested: Aug. 28, 1969 Solemn Professed: Aug. 28, 1978 Ordained: Oct. 14, 1978 Education: Graduate of the former Premontre High School, Green Bay, and St. Norbert College, De Pere. Theological training at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. Doctorate from St. Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario Canada. Service: Vice principal, registrar and English instructor at the former Premontre High School; assistant professor of Canon Law and registrar at Catholic Theological Union; judge of the Matrimonial Tribunal for the Diocese of Green Bay; assistant formation director; member of the Board of Trustees, St. Norbert College; and secretary-treasurer of the Premonstratensian Fathers. Family: Son of Donald and Elaine Neville of Green Bay. Siblings include one brother, Greg, of Green Bay, and sisters, Mary Neville of Stevens Point, and Jean Van Sistine of Green Bay. A sister, Joan Berg of Marinette, died last fall. History: Premonstratensians (Order of the Canons Regular of Premontre) or Norbertines were founded by St. Norbert in 1120 at Premontre, France. They came to Wisconsin in 1893 to work in Door County.

"Knowing the people who have gone before me, Abt. (Bernard) Pennings, Abt. (Sylvester) Killeen, Abt. (Jerome) Tremel, on and on, it's an awesome responsibility to follow in those shoes."

That's how Abt. Gary Neville, O.Praem., described his election as the sixth abbot in the 110-year history of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere. On April 23, Abt. Neville, a Green Bay native, was elected to a nine-year term, which began immediately. He succeeds Abt. Tom DeWane, O.Praem., who had served as abbot since 1994.

"I hope I am able to do a good job, to serve the community well as well as the local church," said Abt. Neville. "There is a lot of history there. It's a little daunting."

"A nine-year term seems to be a good fit," he continued. "It's long enough to do some good work, yet not too long to tire you out."

Abbot General Hermengild Noyens, O.Praem., who resides in Rome, presided over the election with assistance from Abt. Ronald Rossi, O.Praem., of Daylesford Abbey, Paoli, Pa.

The new abbot is a graduate of the former Premontre High School, (now Notre Dame Academy) Green Bay, and St. Norbert College, De Pere. He completed his theological training at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1978. Abt. Neville received his doctorate from St. Paul University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in 1990.

"A lot of my ministry was in teaching," said Abt. Neville, who is a canon lawyer. "Seven years ago, Abt. Dewane tapped me on the shoulder. He was looking for a new treasurer. Seeing I had served him as vice principal at the high school, when he was principal, and we worked well together, I took the position to work here in the business office. One of the first things I now need to do is find a new treasurer."

The abbey's 85 priests and brothers minister or serve in De Pere; Chicago; Albuquerque, N.M.; Jackson, Miss., and Peru. The Norbertines own St. Norbert College and staff several parishes in the Green Bay Diocese including Our Lady of Lourdes, De Pere; St. Willebrord, Green Bay; Holy Cross, Bay Settlement; St. Isadore the Farmer, Tisch Mills; and St. Norbert College Parish. Sacramental help is also provided at other parishes and nursing homes in the diocese.

"Hopefully, they (Norbertines) see me as somebody who is a good listener," said Abt. Neville. "We have been having a number of Chapters in recent years looking at ourselves, the kind of community we are, and the kind of ministry we do. What do we want to do in the church today? How do we want to be church? How can we best serve the local church? We have a lot of things to explore and discuss. I told them I would only accept the position if they worked with me."

In addition to the administrative duties of the position, Abt. Neville said he will focus on being present for the members and serving as a representative for the Norbertine community.

"A presence is extremely important," he said. "With the role being as public as it is, you certainly have responsibilities as a representative to the local church and the local community," he said. "I will work with the bishop and coordinate the efforts of our own men to help where the diocese may need some individuals."

The Abbatial Blessing of the new abbot will be celebrated in June. In preparation, a Coat of Arms is being developed by Abt. Neville. He will receive his miter and crozier, symbols of authority and service, at the Blessing.

"I'm still numb because this was not expected," he said. "My grandmother, many, many years ago, predicted that I was going to be pope someday. This is as close as I hope I get."