On 14 July 1836, already prior of the monastery, Dom was elected as its first abbot of the abbey of Westmalle. When the priory obtained the status of an abbey, the strict rule that the monks could only drink water with their meal was relaxed. Cider or beer was then allowed to be drunk in the refectory of the abbey.
On July 14, 1836, Dom was elected as the first abbot of the Westmalle Abbey monastery before he became prior. When the priory transformed into an abbey, the rule that monks could only drink water with their meal was relaxed. Cider or beer was then allowed in the abbey's refectory.