Notes to Oblates of Mount Angel Abbey

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
May 8, 2026

Dear Oblates,

Therefore, the question that demands an answer is the following, “How does one grow in the love of Christ?” If everything is rooted in this, must there not be a way to make progress? There is, and to find the answer we simply have to read the words of the beloved disciple, St. John. He writes, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). In writing this, St. John is telling us that love is a gift and the growth in love is a divine prerogative. Therefore, the only way for us to grow in love is to allow God to first love us. We do this by opening our heart to him and spending quiet time in prayer with him.

In prayer, we must recognize our utter poverty of absolute dependence upon God for everything and abandon ourselves into his loving arms. Yes, rote prayer, devotions and spiritual reading is important, but what really matters is simply placing ourselves in the presence of God and allowing him to love us. “Our first task in mental prayer, instead of offering or doing anything for God, is to let ourselves be loved by him like very small children. Let God have the joy of loving us” (Jacques Phillipe, Time For God). We must be passive, receptive and open to what God desires to give us, namely, his love.

As people who sunbathe do not need to do any work besides taking off layers of clothing, so too, we simply have to take off the barriers that keep us from receiving God’s healing rays of love. Like the sun, God’s love gives warmth to our souls, light to our minds and penetrates to the depths of our being, transforming us with one healing ray of love at a time. The more time we spend in this type of prayer, the more we will experience God’s love, and having been loved by him, we can in return, love him back and keep his commandments.

When are there times in your day that you could place yourself in the presence of God?  Do you have a time that is naturally quiet or you are alone that you could dedicate to focusing on the Lord? Do you have a chore or routine that allows your mind freedom to turn to him even while you are active or work?

The St. Benedict Festival is coming up quickly and will be on the solemnity of St. Benedict this year, July 11^th. Please join us to celebrate!

For those interested in volunteering, please send an email expressing your interest in helping with the St. Benedict Festival to volunteer@mtangel.edu.

You may purchase tickets through the ticketing website, https://trellis.org/sbf-2026. Oblates receive a discount, using these promo codes:

SBF26OBLATE = 1 free ticket
SBF26OBLATEGUEST = 50% off, adult and youth, up to 6 tickets

I am now organizing my oblate emails through a separate email account so you may expect to see emails from me signed “Oblate Director” and from my new oblate director email address.

I’m sorry to inform you that the Oblate Day of Prayer in August has been canceled due to unexpected circumstances and Guesthouse availability.

Prayer request. Please pray for our seminarians who will be graduating tomorrow. You can watch the Baccalaureate Mass (8am) and the Commencement Exercises (10am) on our livestream at https://www.mountangelabbey.org/mas-livestream/. Please pray for the eternal rest of oblate Janice “Maria Faustina” Snyder. She died on 05/03/2026. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Seminary faculty at work.

Oblate Calendar

2026

May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
May 1, 2026

Dear Oblates,

Next, we read the words, “I will come back again and take you to myself.” One day, we know not when, Christ will come again, not as a judge to condemn but as a son to save. When we were baptized, the Father placed our souls into the hands of his son, and no one can take us from his hands, but rather he will raise us up on the last day. Christ comes to take us to himself. That is a very beautiful image. As a bridegroom takes his bride into his home after the wedding feast, so too, Christ takes us to himself, so that we may be one with him in the bond of love.

The next words read, “so that where I am you also may be.” Our Lord desires simply that we may be with him. He wants to take us into his home. His home is in the bosom of the Father. In this place we find security, peace, rest and love. That is where he is from all eternity, in the heart of the Father, and that is where he desires to take us. While we live on earth, we are as exiles in a foreign land, always longing for our true homeland. In The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis’s character, Screwtape (the devil), mentions this longing for heaven to his apprentice, Wormwood: “The truth is that the Enemy, having oddly destined these mere animals to life in His own eternal world, has guarded them pretty effectively from the danger of feeling at home anywhere else.” The time will come when we breathe our last and Christ will escort us to the Father’s house, where he will say to us, “Welcome home.”

How does your faith in Christ help you through these troubling times? Try spending some time being quiet and resting in the heart of the Father.

Prayer request. Please pray for Abbot Jeremy on this, his namesday. Please also pray for the eternal rest of oblate Rob “Joseph” Krause. Also, pray for the seminarians who will be taking their finals next week, and for their safe travels. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

From Abbot Jeremy’s abbatial blessing 10 years ago

Oblate Calendar

2026

May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
April 24, 2026

Dear Oblates,

Let’s take a look at this Sunday’s gospel to see how Christ, the Good Shepherd, tends his flock. In one verse, we read, “When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice.” This verse can be broken down into three parts.

The first, “When he has driven out.” These words show us that the Lord is the one who takes the initiative and moves us. He drives us, perhaps at times, with his staff, to encourage us to do good works. Where does he drive us? He drives us not into the pen, but out into the world. We may, at times, become complacent and desire to rest in the serenity of routine and the familiar. However, our Lord will regularly drive us beyond what we are used to or comfortable with so that we might grow in our trust in him.

The second part, “he walks ahead of them.” After driving out his sheep, Christ takes the lead. He has given us an example to follow. We need not fear anything because he is our rock, our refuge, our shield, our good shepherd, a shepherd who will lay down his life for his sheep. In the pages of the gospel, we see how Jesus walks ahead of his disciples. He does this by teaching them, healing them and showing them how to love. He has blazed a trail before us so that we might know the way to verdant pastures.

The last part, “they recognize his voice.” Christ speaks to us. This is significant. He is not merely a shepherd who leads by example, but he also teaches us with his words of truth. His words are for us a healing balm, a call to conversion, a word of encouragement, a light in times of darkness. For the Benedictines, our primary way of learning and recognizing God’s voice is through lectio divina. While spending time meditating on the sacred pages, God speaks to our hearts. These words bring us peace, joy, hope and an increase in charity. As children are very familiar with the voice of their parents, through our lectio we become more and more familiar with the voice of the Lord.

How can I be a better sheep? How do you recognize God’s voice? How does his voice reveal itself in you and those around you in your day?

The St. Benedict Festival is coming up quickly and will be on the solemnity of St. Benedict this year, July 11th. Please join us to celebrate! You may purchase tickets through the ticketing website, https://trellis.org/sbf-2026. Oblates receive a discount, using these promo codes:

SBF26OBLATE = 1 free ticket
SBF26OBLATEGUEST = 50% off, adult and youth, up to 6 tickets

Prayer request. Please pray for the eternal rest of oblate Vikki “Mary Theresa” Smith. Please pray for all shepherds of the Church, Pope Leo, Archbishop Sample, Abbot Jeremy, and me, your unworthy servant. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Hispanic Oblate Retreat

The Monastic Community of Mount Angel Abbey

Oblate Calendar

2026

May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
April 17, 2026

Dear Oblates,

Then suddenly, out of nowhere, our Lord appears to them and joins the conversation. This image of walking with someone on the road and discussing matters of faith may  bring feelings of nostalgia and desire. So we can ask ourselves, “who is your Cleopas?” Is there someone you can go on a walk with and converse and debate with about the important things going on in the world, in your life; someone with whom you can discuss your hopes and disappointments? Friendship is such a wonderful gift from God. Scripture says, “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence” (Sirach 6:14-15).  The two disciples were bosom companions of one another, and gathering together in the name of Jesus, he is made present to them.

So too with us, when we gather together in his Holy Name, he is present to us and speaks to us. This is how God has worked out his plan of salvation. As Benedictines, we know that community is necessary for our spiritual growth, and the promise of stability keeps us committed to one another and to Christ.

Action item. Take an Emmaus walk with someone this week.

There are still spots for the May (15-17) Oblate retreat and June (18-21) Oblate Study Days. Fr. Anselm is leading the May retreat on the Rosary and Fr. Stephen Rowan is leading the Oblate Study days on the lectionary in the Liturgical year.

Prayer request. Please pray for the eternal rest of oblate Sharon “Bernadette” Whitehead. She passed away in 2023, but I just found out. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

April
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
April 10, 2026

Dear Oblates,

So what is the significance of this antiphon? The full quote reads, “Like newborn infants, you must long for a pure, spiritual milk, that in him you may grow it to salvation, alleluia.” Who are the newborn infants? They are the neophytes, who at the solemn Easter vigil were given the grace of new birth by water and the Holy Spirit. These neophytes are now thought of as spiritual infants, and as infants cannot take any food except for milk, so too the newly baptized are encouraged to long for pure spiritual milk. Of course, this is not meant simply for the neophytes but for all Christians.

So what is this pure spiritual milk? William Barclay and his commentary on 1 Peter states that it is the word of God. He writes this because the Greek word used here is logikon, which can mean reasonable, rational, spiritual or of the word. He suggests using of the word because in the previous chapter, Saint Peter speaks about being reborn through the “living and abiding word of God,” which “remains forever” (1 Peter 1: 23, 25). The word of God is the sure guide for the neophytes, while other words can be helpful, these words can also be tainted in some way. Another translation of the same verse reads, “the unadulterated milk of the word.” The word of God contains no mixture of evil. It is pure, innocent, holy and undefiled. It does not mix with the “mind” of the world but leads to the fullness of truth.

Therefore, it is this word of God that we should long for. Other translations use the word “crave” or “yearn”. The Greek word here is epipothesate, which is the same word used in Psalm 42, “as the deer longs for the running streams”. We can, therefore, drawing analogy of the deer with water, the infant with milk, and the Christian with the word of God. The deer will die without water; infants are nourished only by milk; and Christians will experience spiritual death if they do not drink from the wellspring of the word of God.

In conclusion, on this Quasimodo Sunday, may we like newborn infants crave, long and yearn for the nourishment and refreshment that comes from the word of God and act on it.

Our next Oblate Sunday is April 12th with Fr. Anselm giving the third of his four part series on redirecting love – Benedictine discipline and the formation of desire. The third topic focuses on the discipline of forgiveness. For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room.

Invitation from the Abbot Primate Jermias Schroeder, OSB
For years, Sant’Anselmo has expanded its enriching programs for the Benedictine family. Among them is our Monastic Summer Studium—crafted especially for English-speaking Oblates worldwide.  

This summer (July 5–25), embark on a transformative three-week journey through captivating topics: Artificial Intelligence and the Spiritual Life, a Benedictine lens on interreligious dialogue, and profound insights from the Liturgical Life. Complementing these courses are balanced activities—pilgrimages to revered Benedictine shrines, explorations of Vatican treasures, and ample personal time for prayerful reflection and growth.  

Experience Rome not as a tourist, but immersed in study, prayer, and fellowship. Deepen your connection to the Benedictine tradition, nurture your spiritual life, and uncover the mysteries of the universal Church.  

Learn more and register at:  
https://www.collegiosantanselmo.com/en/curia-of-the-benedictine-order/oblate-monastic-summer-studium/ 

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Pictures from Easter Vigil

Oblate Calendar

2026

April
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
April 4, 2026

Dear Oblates,

In a few hours, we will celebrate the most holy night of the year. It is the night on which, “Christ broke the prison bars of death and rose victorious from the underworld” (Exultet). For many centuries, we had been dominated by the fear of death, not simply of the body, but also the death of a relationship, the death of a dream, or the death of our health. With Christ’s resurrection from the dead, this has all changed.

The gospel tells us that the two Marys went to the tomb as the “first day of the week was dawning”. The dawn has the characteristics of both darkness and light. We see, but not yet fully. The two Marys had no idea what had passed during the preceding hours as Christ began a new creation by being raised from the dead. They simply showed up on the scene and saw the empty tomb. If darkness represents sin, emptiness and death, and light represents grace, fullness and life, then the dawn encompasses both aspects. And this is where we find ourselves. As Christians, we live in the dawn, partly in the darkness, and partly in the light. We know what it is to be held captive by the “darkness of sin” and “worldly vice”. We also know what it means to love and be led by grace. As the great battle between light and darkness occurred in the tomb of Christ, so too, there is a great battle between these two forces in our soul. We can never completely overcome the darkness, but we can always see the light. We live in the dawn; we are in the already but not-yet-fully. However, we live our life in hope because the dawn points to the rising sun, and the sun when it reaches its climax will overcome all darkness.

Yes, the resurrection of Christ has changed everything and has changed us, but that doesn’t mean that there is not more work to do. The celebration of the Easter vigil reminds us of the new life we have in Christ through baptism. May our lives be like the dawn, which announces a new day.

Happy Easter!

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

April
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
April 3, 2026

Dear Oblates,

In the passion narrative, we hear passing allusions about the cross. We read that Jesus carries the cross by himself, that an inscription is written on the cross and that Our Lady was at the foot of the cross. However, over the centuries, Christians have come to venerate and show great devotion towards this instrument of our Lord’s crucifixion. The hymn for Lauds, in particular, has a few lovely phrases on the wonder of the cross.

In the third verse, we read, “faithful cross above all others, one and only noble tree.” Crux Fidelis, faithful cross. The cross of Christ is described as “faithful”. When the apostles deserted Our Lord, the cross remained with him, or rather, he remained with it. The cross did not abandon Christ but was faithful to him even in his death agony. The cross is also described as a “noble tree”, destined for a glorious purpose. I wonder about the history of the tree. Where did it come from? How was it regarded? Who knows, but out of the obscurity of history, God chose for his Son to redeem the word on this piece of wood. Perhaps, it was a very humble looking piece of wood, even ignored and rejected. Perhaps, it was not good enough to be used for building a house or making a chair, so it was used to crucify a slave. Not as man sees does God see.

There is an icon of Our Lady with the child Jesus stretching out his arms out upon her (kardiotissa). This image represents the crucifixion, so where is the cross? The answer: Mary is the cross. She is the faithful cross, who does not abandon Christ when all others do. She held him in her heart as the cross held him in its arms. The fourth line of the Lauds hymn echoes this sentiment. “For a while the normal rigor that your nature gave suspend. And the king of heavenly beauty, as you hold him, gently tend.” The arms of the cross gently embraced and carried the body of our Lord, who for a time carried it.

Like Mary, we are called to be a faithful cross, close to Jesus even in the midst of suffering. We are called to open our arms wide to the crucified Christ and allow that bruised and broken body to lean its weight upon us. Now that is a union with Christ worth pondering this Good Friday.

How can I be a faithful cross for Christ?

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
April 2, 2026

Dear Oblates,

In the gospel, we read an interesting detail about the foot washing, that is, Jesus, “took off his outer garments.” This little detail can be read spiritually. The Lord was continually stripping himself of himself, so that he could pour himself out into his people. This kenosis, self-emptying of Christ, into humanity was a pattern that is realized in the mandatum and finds its climax in the crucifixion. The stripping of Christ was a means by which he humbled himself in order to draw closer to humanity and to become more intimate with us. His hands touched the feet and the flesh of his disciples. He washes it, cleanses it and purifies it with the touch of his love.

This total self-gift of Christ is something we simply have to receive. It is not always easy as Saint Peter attests because we cannot imagine how humble and loving God is. Once we have received the love of Christ, we have a share in his inheritance, which is the kingdom of heaven, eternal life with the Father as his children.

This kenotic love that Christ gives to his disciples is a model for them, for he says, “I have given you a model to follow” and “love one another as I have loved you”. We, who have received Christ’s humble love, are called to follow that example of that self-emptying love. We, too, are called to strip off our garments, take away our masks, denude ourselves of selfish desires and humble ourselves in the presence of God and the other. We are, as Christ commands us, to wash one another’s feet in loving service. We are called to the kenosis of Christ by which we grow in communion with him and others.

How do I empty myself in order to pour myself into others? How can I do this better?

Abbot Jeremy recommended to the monks a few years ago to read John, chapters 14-17, during a holy hour at the chapel of repose. I think this can be a great spiritual practice as it is the prayer that Christ prayed after the Last Supper.

Our Holy Thursday Mass is at 4pm. You are invited to join us for this most wonderful Mass.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 27, 2026

Dear Oblates,

On Palm Sunday, we will read the gospel two times, and in both accounts, Jesus is described as a king. The first time, he is described as a meek king, riding on an ass. Here, he was received and celebrated with pomp and display. In the other reading, taken from the passion narrative, we see the results of Christ being a meek king. He is rejected, mocked, tormented and dies. Christ is king like no other king and his kingdom does not belong to this world. We, too, call Christ “king”, and we relate to him as the crowds and the soldiers do in the gospel.

We are like the crowds, who celebrate Christ, the glorious king. We lay down our palm branches before him and shout, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.” We follow the crowds when we humble ourselves before God and others. We lay down our palm branches when we submit our will to that of the other, when we sacrifice our time and comfort in order to spend time in prayer, and when we open our heart to the needs of our neighbor.

At other times, we treat Christ like the soldiers. We crown him with thorns, strip him of his garments and spit upon him. With our mouths, we say, “Hail, king of the Jews.” However, by our actions, we crown him with thorns when we seek selfish pleasures; we strip him of his garments when we fail to help those who are in need; we spit upon him when we gossip and complain. We do this while saying, “Hail, King of the Jews.” Yes, it is a difficult pill to swallow, to know that by our own sins, we mock the eternal Son of God, who is so meek and humble.

When we think about the suffering Christ, the bloody Christ, the humble Christ, we should be moved to deep and sincere repentance for our sins. During this most holy week of the year, may we repent of our sinful ways, renounce the devil and his suggestions, and return to the God, who loves us. With repentance, there is new life. When we return to God, he returns to us.

Click here for our Holy Week schedule.

Our next Oblate Sunday is April 12th with Fr. Anselm giving the third of his four part series on redirecting love – Benedictine discipline and the formation of desire. The third topic focuses on the discipline of forgiveness. For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room.

Prayer request. Please pray for our seminarians who are on break and will be back Easter Monday and for our Hispanic oblates who are on retreat this weekend. Please also pray for the catechumens and candidates, who will be received into the Church during the Easter Vigil. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Noe Contreras (brother of Br. Joseph) and Cole Fox, were received into the monastery last week.

Oblate Calendar

2026

April
5 – Easter Sunday
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 20, 2026

Dear Oblates,

As I think about the passing of Saint Benedict, I immediately go back to last summer to the pilgrimage to Mount Angel’s ancestral monasteries, and to Montecassino in particular, where Saint Benedict spent his last year and the last hours of his life. During that visit, we were blessed to go to the tomb place of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica, just behind the high altar. It was there that the oblates renewed their oblation, and we received one new oblate novice.

Pope Gregory gives us a few precious details concerning Saint Benedict’s death that are worth noting. The first is that Saint Benedict died in the midst of his brothers, supported by their loving presence and charitable deeds. When he knew that his time was drawing near, he called the community together to give them some last words. Older monks recall fondly a similar detail when Abbot Bonaventure died in 1988. He too knew that his death was imminent and called the community together for a final farewell. I think he died a day or two afterwards. These gestures are something of a last supper gathering. I desire to spend a last precious moment with those I love. Saint Benedict lived as he taught in the rule, “may he bring us all together unto everlasting life” (ch 72). Indeed, St. Benedict knew that going solo to God was a rare feat reserved for hermits. For Saint Benedict and his monks, and oblates as well, our way to heaven is through going together.

Secondly, St. Benedict had the precious Body and Blood of Christ brought to him as Viaticum. Saint Benedict knew through many years of lectio divina that the one who feeds on Christ will have everlasting life because of Christ. For Saint Benedict, his entire life was centered on the seeking of God with God and in God, so that he might possess God fully in the next life. Therefore, Saint Benedict did not ask for shrimp or lobster, or even some bacon, but he simply desired the Body and Blood of Christ, true spiritual food for the journey to his heavenly homeland. And that is the most we can ask for as we approach death.

As we celebrate the passing of Saint Benedict today, let us ask Almighty God to help us live as Saint Benedict lived and taught so that we may also die as he died, a holy pious death.

Prayer request. Please pray for Noe Contreras (brother of Br. Joseph) and Cole Fox, who will enter the monastery today. Also, please pray for the eternal rest of oblate Josephine “Joann” Rivelli. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Pictures of Br. Lazarus’ simple profession of monastic vows.

Oblate Calendar

2026

March
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
April
5 – Easter Sunday
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 12, 2026

Dear Oblates,

On the 4th Sunday of Lent, the Church presents to us the healing of the man born blind, and his path to physical healing is contrasted with the Pharisees’ spiritual blindness.

The blind man was beset with his condition from birth, a symbol of being born into original sin. For many years, he had to live with the consequences of this blindness, which greatly restricted his activity and intellectual development. He was healed through the touch of Christ, who makes the blind man a new creation by forming clay from the earth–an echo of genesis 2. From there, he washes in the pool at Siloam, representing the purifying waters of baptism by which we receive enlightenment and begin a new life. With this physical and spiritual sight, he can see the world clearly, as it truly is created and intended by God. Through his faith, he recognizes and says, “I do believe” and worships Jesus.

The Pharisees in contrast begin with physical sight but end in spiritual blindness. They clearly witnessed the great marvel performed by Jesus, but their heart would not acknowledge what their eyes had clearly seen. Rather, they hardened their hearts and listened not to the voice of God. They do not proclaim Christ as Lord but call him a sinner. They do not worship him but seek to kill him and ridicule those who believe in him. As a result, Jesus says that because they see with their physical eyes but do not believe, their sin remains. They are spiritually blind, unable to see the creator of the universe and the creator of their souls right before their eyes.

The Church in presenting to us this reading is reminding us of the new sight we have received in baptism. We walk not by sight or sense but by the light of faith and hope. Am I led more by what my faith teaches or by what can I see? Where is my heart hardened toward the things of God?

Prayer request. Please pray for Abbot Jeremy, who today celebrates 10 years of being an Abbot! Pray for his physical and spiritual needs and intentions. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

March
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part II.
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
April
5 – Easter Sunday
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 9, 2026

Dear Oblates,

Happy patronal feast day of St. Frances of Rome! Although her feast day gets trumped by the Lenten liturgy, I think you can still celebrate in some little way. The Roman Missal reads for today’s feast, “A married woman, St. Frances (1384-1440) raised her three children in the love and fear of God. She performed every household duty as though it was a Sacrament of Love.” “A married woman,” she said, “must often leave God at the altar to find him in her household care.” She gathered together a community of women, who were oblates of St. Benedict. May she be a powerful intercessor for you today and always!

In prayer,

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

March
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part II.
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
April
5 – Easter Sunday
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 6, 2026

Dear Oblates,

On the 3rd Sunday of Lent, the Church presents to us the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, and in this story we can see something of our own lives as well as a strong Lenten theme.

Like the Samaritan woman, we have wells from which we draw water. We go to this well regularly to satisfy our needs, desires and thirst. These wells in our lives are not always sins but can also include things or activities. We draw water from the well of food, drink, anger and resentment. We draw water from the well of gossip, grumbling, entertainment and distraction. We draw water from the well of self-image, reputation, fantasy and questionable relationships. Like the woman may go to this world daily as a comfort from the crosses of daily life; we will always be coming back for more; we will always thirst again.

Jesus says to us as he says to the woman, “whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst.” This living water that Christ gives is principally himself. He is the well and the water that he gives comes from his pierced side on the cross. This water represents the Sacrament of Baptism which is the prelude to eternal life. It is the gift of the Most Holy Trinity dwelling within our souls. Since God is within us, we have no need to go outside of our houses, outside of ourselves to draw water, but we simply have to make a deep interior journey to the well within our heart, wherein Christ dwells. Digging into this well, we can always draw water, where Christ will be for us a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

During this Lenten season, the Lord asks us to take up our daily crosses and not to have recourse to earthly wells. Rather, we should go to the well of Christ, who is present to us at all times and deep within our soul. Like the woman, may we leave our water jar behind and find the fulfillment of our desires in the Lord.

What are the wells that I draw water from? How can I let go of these wells and draw water from the well of Christ?

One of you wrote me an email after my last note on the transfiguration, and I would like to share it with the rest of you with her permission. “Over these many years, the Abbey has truly been my mountaintop . . . There is something about ascending that hill, even before reaching the church, that begins to quiet my heart. The liturgy, the chanting, the stillness, the beauty of the grounds, and the gentle hospitality of the monks have all been part of that luminous glow you described . . . Each time I descend from the hill and return home, I carry something of that light with me. The Abbey has not only been a place of consolation; it has strengthened me for the realities of daily life, for the crosses and also for the quiet joys. The mountaintop does not remove the burdens, but it changes how I bear them.”

Our next Oblate Sunday is March 8th with Fr. Anselm giving the second of his four part series on redirecting love. The second topic focuses on Benedictine discipline and the formation of desire. Specifically the discipline of body and prayer. For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room.

Prayer request. Please pray for Br. Lazarus (Zack) who made simple vows on Sunday. Please also pray for Carol “Elizabeth” Chapin who passed away on Jan 26, 2026.  Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Br. Lazarus after simple profession.

Seminary basketball team

Discerners

Oblate Calendar

2026

March
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part II.
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
April
5 – Easter Sunday
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
February 27, 2026

Dear Oblates,

The gospel for the second Sunday of Lent always recounts the transfiguration of Christ in the presence of Peter, James and John. What I would like to do for this note is to compare their story with the experience of oblates, who visit the Abbey.

Like Peter, James and John, the Lord leads you up a mountain, not a very high one, but for many of you, the journey can be quite long and arduous. After ascending the mountain, you experience Christ in his glory through the liturgy, silence, beauty and hospitality. You yourself are transfigured by the experience, and you catch that luminous glow. This experience of Christ’s glory makes you exclaim with Saint Peter, “Lord, it is good that we are here,” and like Saint Peter, you want to stay on the hilltop and even want to build houses close by. However, this is not to be so. As Peter, James and John had to leave the mountaintop and descend back down to the world from whence they came, so too, you are not called to remain forever on the hilltop. Rather, you are called back to the world, where you will experience the full reality in your personal lives, the cross of Christ, a heavy daily burden, but also a gentle and easy yoke when born with love.

The mountaintop experience is not simply a reprieve from the anguish of daily life, but we monks hope we can be something of a transfiguration experience for you, where you experience the fruits of Christ’s resurrection so that you now can go into the world with your head raised high ready to be a light for the world in darkness.

How has my relationship with the Abbey been a source of transfiguration for me? How do I share my hilltop experience with the others?

Our next Oblate Sunday is March 8th with Fr. Anselm giving the second of his four part series on redirecting love. The second topic focuses on Benedictine discipline and the formation of desire. Specifically the discipline of body and prayer. For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room.

Prayer request. Please pray for Br. Zack, who will make his profession of Simple Vows at the Abbey Mass on Sunday, March 1 at 9am. You are all invited. Please also pray for the 9 men, who were discerning with us last weekend. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

March
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part II.
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
April
5 – Easter Sunday
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
February 18, 2026

Dear Oblates,

Today marks the beginning of the solemn Lenten season, where for 40 days, we shall pray, fast and do good works. The signs of exterior penance are for us simply a manifestation of a greater reality, namely, the contrition we feel in our hearts at offending God, and a sincere desire to return to him with our whole hearts. Like our first parents, we are like sheep gone astray, seeking our own will, pleasure and glory. However, we have realized that the grass is not greener on the other side and that the Lord is the one who leads us to verdant pastures. As we return to the Lord with fasting and weeping, we come to realize that he is the Good Shepherd, who is in search for his lost sheep. He is the father who looks out for the return of his prodigal children. When we return to him, he completely dismisses our sins and wrongdoing and receives us with open arms. God so rejoices at our repentance that he has more joy over one sinner who repents than over 99 who have no need of repentance.

As we begin Lent today, let us do our work of prayer and fasting and charity, but let us not forget in the heart of the matter, a genuine return to the Lord, to renounce sin and to make God the center or our lives. We have a part to play and so does God. However, his work in us is done in secret. We do not always see or realize its accomplishment. Through our faithfulness to him in little things, God is quietly, patiently and secretly at work in our souls. We can trust in him and his words.

May the Lord bless you in these 40 days with a renewed zeal for him and with every grace you need. May you profit from this holy season of Lent then look forward to Easter with joy and spiritual longing.

Some of you have asked about making an online donation to the oblate fund. If so, please use the “Make a Gift” form, select “Area of Greatest Need” and in the “Comments” field indicate “Oblate Program”. Your gifts will be allocated as requested.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

Feb
18 – Ash Wednesday
March
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part II.
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
April
5 – Easter Sunday
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
February 13, 2026

Dear Oblates,

In this last paragraph of chapter 2, Saint Benedict describes the essential duty of the Abbot and all those with spiritual authority. It is their task to be concerned about the spiritual welfare of those entrusted to them; they have been given the “charge of souls”. Yes, there are a multitude of responsibilities that leaders have to oversee, but let them not neglect the spiritual needs of those under them and their own soul as well.

This can be hopeful for us to think about as we begin the holy season of Lent in a few days. How can I redirect my energies to build up my spiritual life and that of others? Is there some habit I need to change for the sake of my own soul? Where can I help others amend their faults?

The last verse of this chapter is well put, “while helping others to amend by his warnings, he achieves the amendment of his own faults.” I see this a lot with parents. They invest a lot of time in their children’s spiritual well-being, and in doing so, they also grow spiritually themselves. Thus, the whole family grows closer to God through the initiative of the parents. However, this takes time and energy; therefore, a firm resolution must be made.

Thank you to those who have sent in their Bona Operas. Please send these in if you have not done so already. Also, I was informed that the book I recommended for Lent, “Tears of Christ” (audio version) is included in the “Formed“ app through the Augustine Institute.

Prayer request. Please pray for Abbot Jeremy as he returns from his time of rest. Please also pray for the seminary basketball team who will be traveling to Saint Patrick seminary for a tournament. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

New Oblates

New Novices

Oblate Calendar

2026

Feb
18 – Ash Wednesday
March
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part II.
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
April
5 – Easter Sunday
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
February 6, 2026

Dear Oblates,

In this next paragraph on the Abbot, Saint Benedict then advises the Abbot and all leaders to place the spiritual before the temporal. Yes, he realizes the need to be good stewards of God’s gifts, but gives us a warning, “he must not show too great concern for the fleeting and temporal things of the world.” Diligence over temporal affairs is a moral responsibility for all leaders; however, we are not to inverse our priorities and place the material before the spiritual. Saint Ignatius of Loyola in his guide for discernment tells us that when making a decision it should be done with one’s eternal salvation in mind. Asking such questions places everything, even temporalities on a spiritual plane.

The excessive concern leaders may have for material goods can lead to the neglect of those entrusted to him. Saint Benedict’s answer to the temptation to idolize the material is to seek first the Kingdom of God. Later on he will write that the new monks should sincerely seek God (RB 58). We are to seek God first, not second, third or when we have the time. Blessed Marmion says, “man is worth what he seeks” (Christ the Ideal of the Monk). If we seek money or possessions, these will eventually come to nought. If we seek God, we will find meaning in life, joy and gain an eternal reward. The seeking of God comes with a promise that we tend to forget, and it is that “all things will be given to you as well.” It is like Solomon, who asks for wisdom, and receives it along with riches. When we show our generosity toward God, he repays us 30, 60 and 100-fold.

Perhaps, these words seem a bit idealized coming from a monk who doesn’t have to worry about putting food on the table or bills to pay. However, I would venture to say that many of you would humbly admit that financial and material concerns and worry takes up more of your time and energy than is necessary and that you could probably do more to put God first in your life and to trust in his providence.

Our next Oblate Sunday is February 8th with Fr. Anselm giving the first of his four part series on redirecting love. The first topic focuses on Benedictine discipline and the formation of desire, is discipline unnatural? For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9 am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11 am in the Westminster Room.

You should have received your Bona Operas by now, please consider sending yours in. If you have not received one, they are included in the images below.

Abbey Bach Festival 2026. Oblates get a 30% discount. Please use OBLATE26 for the promo code.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Tet Festival, seminarian Truan Nguyen

Bona Opera Letter 2026

Bona Opera Card 2026

Oblate Calendar

2026

Feb
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Br. Louis. Lectio Divina on the Prodigal Son.
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part I.
10 – St. Scholastica (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
18 – Ash Wednesday
March
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part II.
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
April
5 – Easter Sunday
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 30, 2026

Dear Oblates,

Saint Benedict in this paragraph, as he so often does elsewhere, borrows directly from the sacred scriptures. Like Saint Paul, the Abbot is a spiritual father to a wide range of personalities. Anyone who knows more than five monks knows how vastly different each one is. So too, those who are in leadership positions often have to deal with a variety of temperaments and characters. Saint Benedict tells us that leaders must know how to be both stern and tender. This can often be challenging since we generally tend toward one more than the other. However, God often calls us out of our comfort zones for the greater good.

Saint Benedict basically characterizes monks into three groups. There are the “undisciplined and restless,” the “obedient and docile,” (we like these types) and the “negligent and disdainful”. The first point to note is that God calls all these types of people to the monastery. Yes, it would make leadership much easier if all monks, employees, and children were of the obedient and docile type, but that is simply not the case. This is all a part of God’s wondrous plan.

What are we to do with those who are “undisciplined and restless?” Saint Benedict says that we should use firm argument. I think of this group as the young boys who would have been in his monastery, such as St. Maurus and Placidus. They probably began monastic life quite energetic and enthusiastic, but perhaps, the maturity was still wanting. For this type, we are to use firm argument. Saint Benedict wants his leaders to be strong in spirit and in intelligence. Both are necessary. As Father Paul Peri, a longtime homiletic teacher, used to say, “preach with power and conviction.” This is what is required for the undisciplined.

The next group is the obedient and docile. These good kids can often be neglected precisely because of their virtuous behavior. As the saying goes, “the squeaky wheel gets the oil.” Saint Benedict would not have us overlook this group to the detriment of greater sanctity. He calls leaders to encourage those within his group to greater virtue. Perhaps, someone is quite kind. Encourage him to be even kinder. Tell him about the saints, who made even greater sacrifices of love. Perhaps someone is a great reader. The leader can encourage this person to read something more challenging or engage more actively with the text.

The last group that Saint Benedict speaks about is the negligent and disdainful. These are the headache-type people in our lives. Those we simply want to get away from. They are the ones who challenge leaders on every decision, breed contention within the community, and become something like pseudo-abbots in their own imagination. Yet even so, Saint Benedict says that love ought to be shown to these types as well, a tough love. Saint Benedict calls his leaders to reprove and rebuke such people. This is often difficult and no one likes to correct another person, but Saint Benedict says it must be done out of charity. It is to these monks that the Abbot will need to send in senpectae (spiritual elders, chapter 27) and perhaps excommunicate and amputate (chapter 28).

These are the three types of people and the three ways that leaders can deal with the variety of characters under his care. What category do those under your care fall under? What group might you be neglecting?

Abbey Bach Festival 2026. Oblates get a 30% discount. Please use OBLATE26 for the promo code.

You should have received your Bona Operas by now. If not, they are in the images below.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

Feb
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Br. Louis. Lectio Divina on the Prodigal Son.
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part I.
10 – St. Scholastica (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
18 – Ash Wednesday
March
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part II.
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
April
5 – Easter Sunday
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 23, 2026

Dear Oblates,

This short phrase is great advice not only for members but for everyone who is in leadership. Saint Benedict absolutely condemns all forms of favoritism, that is, special treatment, by the Abbot. This can be challenging for anyone in leadership positions because we are naturally drawn, attracted to or share interest with one person more than another person. Saint Benedict is not unaware of this reality, but he is calling leaders to rise above the default instincts and cultivate a supernatural life, to love as Christ does, to love everyone equally. This is the expanded heart that Saint Benedict writes about in his prologue (vs 49). It is the perfect love that is the result of ascending on the steps of humility (7:67).  This is possible because one has been transformed by him who is love and one is able to love because he has allowed God to love him first.

This equal love does not mean that we spend equal amount of time with everybody or that we even treat everybody in the same way. Saint Benedict advises us to vary our actions according to the character of each person. However, we can believe that this equal love to all does mean that the leader takes a keen interest in every person. A child instinctively knows when he is loved by a parent. Even if a mother spends the majority of her time with a newborn infant, there are still gestures of love that can indicate that she still loves the other children.

It should be noted that Saint Benedict does make an exception, if we can call it that. He states that, “only in this are we distinguished in his sight: if we are found better than others in good works and humility” (2:21). These virtues that distinguish a monk are our objective and not a result of chance. The Abbot does not set one monk apart from others because he is smarter, funnier or more creative than others, but because he is closer in his imitation of Christ.

Where are we tempted to play favoritism? Can we spend some extra time with someone this week who we do not have a natural affection towards? Perhaps, this can be an appropriate Lenten penance. On that note, you should be receiving your Bona Operas some time next week.

Our next Oblate Sunday is February 8th with Fr. Anselm giving the first of his four part series on redirecting love. The first topic focuses on Benedictine discipline and the formation of desire, is discipline unnatural? For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

Feb
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Br. Louis. Lectio Divina on the Prodigal Son.
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part I.
10 – St. Scholastica (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
18 – Ash Wednesday
March
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part II.
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
April
5 – Easter Sunday
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.