The Very Rev. Bradley R. Vanden Branden, O. Praem., was elected as the Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo courtesy: St. Norbert Abbey)
DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey has a new leader.
On Thursday, the Very Rev. Bradley R. Vanden Branden, O. Praem., was elected as the eighth abbot in the Abbey’s 133-year history. His nine-year term begins immediately.
Vanden Branden, 38, is the youngest abbot ever elected at St. Norbert Abbey. He’s a Green Bay native who graduated from West De Pere High School and earned his degree 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. His assignments included:
- Chaplain at Notre Dame Academy (2016-2018)
- Prior at St. Norbert Abbey (2018-2026)
- Director of the Norbertine Center for Spirituality (2024-present)
Vanden Branden succeeds Abbot Dane Radecki, O. Praem., who recently reached retirement age. An abbatial blessing Mass will be held for Vanden Branden in April at St. Norbert Abbey Church.
In total, 34 priests, brothers and men in formation are attached to St. Norbert Abbey in houses in De Pere and Chicago.
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