Definition: The abbotcy of St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the oldest institutions of its kind, established by Pope Gregory II in 821 AD.

In a small town nestled amidst the rolling hills and lush greenery, there was a beautiful abbey. Nestled in the heart of the countryside, it stood as a testament to ancient traditions, beauty, and grace. As a young novice, my name was Beatrice, and I had come from humble beginnings with a dream to lead a life of service and devotion. The day came when I received the call to become an abbess. The abbey's staff and community welcomed me as one who would bring light to darkness, heal the sick, and guide souls through their darkest times. I found my quarters in the grand steeple, where I stood as a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil of the town. The abbey was not without challenges; it faced financial struggles and social upheaval. But Beatrice refused to let these obstacles define her. She saw the beauty in adversity, recognizing that each obstacle brought out the best within us all. Through my prayer life and the teachings I received from my abbot, I found strength to continue my journey. As time went by, I became a beloved abbess among the monks. They called me by my title of abbess and referred to me as their "mother." Our bond grew stronger than any bond could be, as we shared the same vision for the church and its mission. One day, the abbey's most important task was completed - the construction of a magnificent cathedral. The building was tall, grand, and majestic, reflecting my abbot's vision for the future. I took great pride in my work and knew that every stone would be put into place with a deep sense of purpose and connection to the fabric of history. In the end, Beatrice found her true calling. She dedicated herself to leading a life of service, devotion, and love. Her legacy was carried on by those who came after her - serving as abbots and then abbesses, all dedicating their lives to their chosen path. And though I was no longer an abbess, the beauty of my time at the abbey remained with me forever. It was a place where I felt at home, where I could see the divine in a world so often devoid of it. The memories of that abbey lingered within me, a reminder that even amidst all the challenges and obstacles of life, there is always the hope that shines through. In her own way, Beatrice had brought light to darkness and healed the sick, guiding souls through their darkest times - an abbey in which I had found my true abbotcy.