father superior
Monastic community leader
Father superior is the male head of a religious community, particularly in Roman Catholic monastic orders.
He holds authority over the monks or friars in his house or province, overseeing both spiritual direction and administrative matters: The father superior granted permission for the pilgrimage.
The title implies paternal leadership within the religious hierarchy.
- man of GodReligious leader or priest
- abbotMonastery's chief cleric
- priorExisting before another
- monasteryReligious seclusion dwelling
- spiritual authorityLegitimacy in religious matters
religious · friary · spiritual · rector · hierarchy · novitiate · holy orders · monk · authority · pope · abbey · cardinal · convent · leader · bishop · pastor · Benedictine · guardian
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