Vanden Branden elected as abbot of St. Norbert Abbey

DE PERE – The Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey elected the Very Rev. Bradley R. Vanden Branden, O. Praem., as the eighth abbot in its 133-year history.

Vanden Branden was elected for a term of nine years and will begin his term immediately.

A total of 34 priests, brothers and men in formation are attached to St. Norbert Abbey, whose members can be found in houses in De Pere and Chicago.

Vanden Branden succeeds Abbot Dane Radecki, O. Praem., who recently reached his retirement age after nearly eight years as abbot.

Shortly after the election concluded, Vanden Branden received his mozzetta (abbatial cape) and pectoral cross, which has been worn by every abbot at St. Norbert Abbey since 1955.

Born in Green Bay in 1987, Vanden Branden, 38, is the youngest abbot elected in the history of St. Norbert Abbey.

His family is comprised of his parents, Tom and Joan Vanden Branden, a sister, Kally Verheyen, and her husband, Cody, as well as their daughters.

Vanden Branden is a graduate of West De Pere High School and pursued undergraduate studies in music education at St. Norbert College.

His theological training took place at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where he received a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Arts in Theology (Liturgy).

Vanden Branden was ordained to the priesthood in 2016 with assignments including Chaplain at Notre Dame Academy, Prior at St. Norbert Abbey and Director of the Norbertine Center for Spirituality.

In preparation for the abbatial blessing Mass in April at St. Norbert Abbey Church, a coat of arms will be developed by Vanden Branden.

At the Mass, the Bishop will confer on him his miter, crozier and ring, symbols of authority and service.