Notes to Oblates of Mount Angel Abbey

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.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 16, 2026

Dear Oblates,

Although oblates are not abbots, there is much that they can learn from this chapter in the holy rule, especially in regards to leadership. In one phase or another, we all have to lead others. This could be in our role as parents, teachers, group leaders, bosses or a number of other situations. The two-fold teaching that Saint Benedict speaks about is that of the Abbot’s doctrine and example. Just a few verses before this, Saint Benedict wrote that the Abbot’s teaching should, “Permeate the minds of his and disciples” (2:5). This teaching is particularly helpful for the disciples who are docile and receptive. Those who are in leadership positions need to help those under them to understand why certain things are done or believed. For example, parents should teach their children to understand the many aspects of the Mass and Catholic devotions. To simply say, “because I said so” is not an adequate response in most situations. It is in our nature as human beings to desire to know the why of certain decisions, and a good leader helps his followers understand. One of Abbot Jeremy’s pillars is that the monks should have clarity on the how and why of the little forms of monastic practices. Why do we process in for Vespers? Why do we have table reading? Why do we step forward for the gospel canticles during the Divine Office? These are important questions for the monks to have a clear answer to, and Abbot Jeremy seeks to do this precisely. Those in leadership positions can also strive to follow this example.

However, Saint Benedict realizes that the doctrine of the Abbot is not enough. He also needs to set a good example. His actions are something of a living rule. It is hard to do what someone tells us if they do not heed their own words. There are always those who are stubborn or dull and need to be convinced by a good example. Pope Paul VI said, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than he does to teachers”. Saint Francis said, “Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words.” One of the commentaries on the holy rule says that through our example, “it is not we who preach ourselves, but it is Jesus Christ who preaches in us” (G.A Simon). Through our actions, we allow Christ to live in us and speak through our lives.

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
10 – St. Scholastica (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
18 – Ash Wednesday
March
8 – Oblate Sunday
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
31 – Easter Sunday
April
12 – Oblate Sunday
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday
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 –
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday –
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 9, 2026

Dear Oblates,

With the feast of the Lord’s baptism, the Church formally concludes the Christmas season in which she celebrated the mystery of the Lord’s incarnation and his manifestation to the nations. Along with the visit of the magi and the miracle at Cana, the baptism of the Lord is one of the three epiphanies of the Lord, that is a manifestation of his identity as the Son of God. There is something of a progression in the three epiphanies of the Lord. The star leading the magi points to the faith that is required to be saved. The baptism of the Lord reminds us that through our own baptism we have been purified from our sins, and the miracle at the wedding feast of Cana calls us to that unity that we are to have with God.

The baptism of the Lord is situated between the other two epiphanies, and in this feast there are two points worth noting. The first is that as Christ began his public ministry, he does it as the Father’s beloved Son. All that he will do and teach in the coming years will flow from his identity and obedience as the beloved of the Father. His baptism by water foreshadows his baptism by blood on the cross through which he will take away the sins of the world. The second point of note is that by the Lord’s baptism he has made all of creation holy. Before his baptism, the waters of the Jordan were filled with the sins of those who had repented. With Christ’s baptism, the waters of the Jordan were made pure, and through this, all the rivers and seas throughout the world were given a power to be a means of salvation. As we read, “whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16). God desires that through creation and the natural elements we would be reborn again in Christ, and so, we who are baptized are like Christ, the beloved of the Father and heirs of the Kingdom.

Let us renew our baptism this holy day and live as children worthy of such a loving Father.

Our next Oblate Sunday is January 11th with Br. Thomas giving the last of his four talks on the psalms. 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

Fr. Odo and Br. Isaiah with alumni at the SEEK conference.

Br. Isaiah doing calligraphy at the SEEK conference.

Bishop Peter preaching the seminarian retreat.

Oblate Calendar

2026

Jan
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
15 – Feast of St. Maurus and Placid (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Feb
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Br. Louis. Lectio Divina on the Prodigal Son.
8 – Oblate Sunday
10 – St. Scholastica (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
18 – Ash Wednesday
March
8 – Oblate Sunday
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
31 – Easter Sunday
April
12 – Oblate Sunday
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday
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 –
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday –
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
New Year’s Letter

Dear Oblates,

2025 was a jubilee year for the Church and a year of great rejoicing for the monastery. This year we were happy to have Br. Matthew ordained as a deacon and Father Anselm ordained as a priest. The Saint Benedict festival in July and the Bach festival both welcomed over 1,000 guests. Also during that month, we were blessed to have 35 seminarians join the propaedeutic program. August was mostly quiet, but in September we were happy to receive two new novices, have Brother Jonah profess simple vows and have Father Michael make solemn vows. At the end of September, the Mount Angel Institute hosted the fellowship of scholars, which included Vatican figures such as Cardinal Grech and Msgr. Piero Coda. In October, we had the annual Episcopal council and Archbishop Sample received the candidacy of four men on the path of priestly ordination. Just a few days ago we celebrated the beautiful liturgies of our Lord’s Nativity.

In the oblate world, we were glad to have 42 people make final oblation, 35 were received into the novitiate and five were called to their heavenly homeland. In June, we were happy to have the annual oblate picnic, welcoming over 200 guests and having the Treis family perform a wonderful song about their novitiate. Another big highlight was the pilgrimage to Switzerland and Italy, where we traced Mount Angel’s lineage all the way back to Saint Benedict’s birthplace in Norcia. The Hispanic oblate program also flourished. We had over 1,000 people here for the stations of the cross on Good Friday, 16 made their final oblation and 21 were enrolled into the novitiate. Also, just a few weeks ago, over 200 people were present for the annual posada.

Yes, the Lord has indeed blessed us greatly and may he continue to do so in 2026. I leave you with the words from the book of Numbers:

The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon
you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and
give you peace!

Our next Oblate Sunday is January 11th with Br. Thomas giving the last of his four talks on the psalms. 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

Christmas party and a Christmas song.

Abbot Jeremy receiving his Christmas gift.

Oblate Calendar

2026

Jan
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
15 – Feast of St. Maurus and Placid (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Feb
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Br. Louis. Lectio Divina on the Prodigal Son.
8 – Oblate Sunday
10 – St. Scholastica (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
18 – Ash Wednesday
March
8 – Oblate Sunday
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
31 – Easter Sunday
April
12 – Oblate Sunday
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday
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 –
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday –
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
Christmas Letter

Dear Oblates,

God’s timing is perfect. Perhaps, that may sound like an overly ideal statement, but when we activate our faith, we know that it must be true. For four long weeks, we have been called to wait patiently for God, to persevere in hope, to remain steadfast in prayer. Oftentimes, this waiting occurred in the darkness of a waning moon, an earlier sunset or a cloudy day. These physical scenes reflected the interior reality of our souls. We were a people who walked in darkness, but as surely as Isaiah’s audience saw a great light, so too, we on this night, this holy night, this silent night, will ourselves see a great light, and not just any light, but the true light of the world, Christ the Lord. Today, is a day of great rejoicing for the Church. It is the day in which we rejoice at the Nativity of our Lord. God, the eternal Son, takes upon human nature and becomes like us in all things but sin, so that we can say, “Emmanuel”, God is with us.

This Advent-Christmas spirituality is not simply something we celebrate one month of the year, but it is a daily reality. Every day we are waiting for God, for his coming into our lives. Every day we exercise that patience, hope and deep desire for the Lord to make himself present in a multitude of unfortunate circumstances. In as much as every day is a waiting period, every day is also Christmas. Jesus comes to us tonight in the celebration of midnight Mass, but let us not forget that the time of God’s coming is always now. The heavenly hosts proclaimed, “today in the city of David a savior is born for you.” Yes, we should celebrate with great joy the good news of our savior’s glorious birth, but how sad it would be if good news were only meant for one day.

Father Paschal, my one-time junior master, loved the word “hodie” [today] in the liturgy. He said to us that through the liturgy, the today of many years past becomes the today of today. Yes, at this very moment, Christ the savior is born for us. Christ’s deeds, because he is God, does not pass away nor become swallowed up in time. No, rather, all his deeds become eternally present in the now. Therefore, we should believe that tomorrow, the next day, one week from now and even months from now, Christ our savior is born for us. He is our savior at every moment of our need. Yes, God’s timing is perfect because God is always here. He is always with us, he is Emmanuel. That is why God became man and died and rose for us. It was not simply to do good deeds to be forgotten but to transform all of reality by his continually breaking into the present moment. We are an advent people, we are always waiting for Christmas, but the wait is now over.

May the peace, joy, and love that the child Jesus came to bring be yours in abundance, and may you always know and experience the reality of Jesus as Emmanuel, God with us.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

A little Christmas music from our oblates. Click here for video.

Hispanic oblate posada.

Decorating for Christmas.

Gingerbread monk.

Oblate Calendar

2026

Jan
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
15 – Feast of St. Maurus and Placid (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Feb
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Br. Louis. Lectio Divina on the Prodigal Son.
8 – Oblate Sunday
10 – St. Scholastica (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
18 – Ash Wednesday
March
8 – Oblate Sunday
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
31 – Easter Sunday
April
12 – Oblate Sunday
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday
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 –
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday –
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
December 19, 2025

Dear Oblates,

The Homiletic Directory (96) tells us that during the fourth Sunday of advent the liturgy shifts from the calls of conversion to focus on the events immediately preceding the nativity of Christ. It is as if the Church were telling us, “you have prepared well and now the long-awaited prize is at the door step.”

For this year, the key figure in the gospel is St. Joseph. What can his life tell us about preparing for Christmas? Well, for one thing, his life and actions tell us that Advent is not all about daisies and roses. There will be plenty of thistles and thorns along the Advent journey, and I am  sure you have already experienced some of this yourself. We read that St. Joseph was surprised by the news of Mary’s pregnancy. How challenging it must have been for him to hear those words. So too in the season of Advent, and indeed in our life, we are met with one surprise after another. Most of these we can easily adjust to, however, there are those few surprises which catch us completely off guard. As inconvenient and trying as such events are, we are called, like St. Joseph, to place a  greater trust in God’s loving plan for our life. We know as St. Paul tells us that “all things work for the good of those who love God” (Romans 8:28). All things.

Secondly, we can learn obedience and docility from St. Joseph. Initially, it was his plan to “divorce her [Mary] quietly”, but after the encounter with the angel, he decided to take Mary into his home. We, too, make plans and it is not unusual for God to dispose of those plans. Thus, rocking us off our horse for a moment. The temptation is for us to fight against God’s will, to continue to try to force our way in a given situation, even though the signs clearly mark a different way for us. How do we respond when God throws all our plans out of sorts? Do we fight back or do we have the humility and docility to change our ways? This obedience of St. Joseph bore fruit in ways he would have never imagined. He would soon become the foster father of the Son of God and name Him Jesus. So too, the fruits of obedience far outweigh the pleasure that might arise from getting our way. Indeed, the fruit of obedience is Christ himself.

As we journey through these last few days of the Advent season, may we follow the example of St. Joseph and be open to the many surprises God will surely give us during these days.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Advent Parish Mission in Honolulu

With Alumni

Oblate Calendar

2026

Jan
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
15 – Feast of St. Maurus and Placid (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Feb
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Br. Louis. Lectio Divina on the Prodigal Son.
8 – Oblate Sunday
10 – St. Scholastica (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
18 – Ash Wednesday
March
8 – Oblate Sunday
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
31 – Easter Sunday
April
12 – Oblate Sunday
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday
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 –
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday –
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
December 12, 2025

Dear Oblates,

Br. Thomas has shared the following reflection.

“Rejoice in the Lord always,” says St. Paul!  This third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, begins with this excerpt from his letter to the Philippians. “Indeed, the Lord is near,” he adds. The nearness of the Christmas feast is hard not to notice: stores started playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving this year, many houses and shops are already lit up, and I even heard reports of a crew of Santas floating down the McKenzie River recently. Still, to me the words always come as a refreshing reminder: “again I say, rejoice.” The words strike me as Good News, because they remind me that joy is a different thing from the emotions of happiness or excitement; it is more like a choice. Emotions come and go with circumstances, but the traditional four divine gifts of Advent (peace, hope, joy, and love) are attitudes that endure and shape us. When we think about him who made the stars becoming one of us, being with us throughout life, and returning in glory forever, we have a reason for joy no matter what.

We’re not quite there yet, though! St. Paul still needs to command us to rejoice. Advent, like Lent, is a season to reflect on our need for God.  There’s much in our world, our society, and in ourselves that is profoundly disordered. It’s really always been that way: St. John the Baptist looms large in the Advent liturgies, “preparing the way of the Lord” for the last 2000 years by reminding us of the need for self-examination, repentance, and active waiting for “the one who is to come.” But he has come. This Sunday’s psalm tells us that God saves the oppressed, the hungry, the captives, the blind, the stranger, the fatherless and the widow. And that is exactly what Jesus did and has kept on doing. Our Holy Father Pope Leo reminds us, “God is not outside the world, outside this life: we have learned from the first coming of Jesus, God-with-us, to seek him in the realities of life.” Advent would not exist without Christmas, nor Lent without Easter. So, “go and tell John what you hear and see:” Gaudete Sunday, with its rose vestments and candle, its buoyant music, its lyrical poetry, and the people of God gathered around the Most Holy Eucharist, tells us that whatever lonely, hot mess we may find ourselves in, the Lord is eager to come and be our honored guest.

Our next Oblate Sunday is December 14th with Br. Thomas giving the third of his four talks on the psalms. 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

The library is currently displaying an artwork exhibit by Helen Bouchard and Ulan Moore titled, Abbey Vignettes: Life Together. This collection is a visual meditation on the daily rhythm of Mount Angel Abbey, it explores the small but moments that give shape to communal life. More about this collection and purchasing information can be found on Helen’s webpage.

Oblate Calendar

2025
December
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III

2026

Jan
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
15 – Feast of St. Maurus and Placid (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Feb
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Br. Louis. Lectio Divina on the Prodigal Son.
8 – Oblate Sunday
10 – St. Scholastica (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
18 – Ash Wednesday
March
8 – Oblate Sunday
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
31 – Easter Sunday
April
12 – Oblate Sunday
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday
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 –
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday –
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
December 5, 2025

Dear Oblates,

Some years ago, the monks read the book Unlikely Friendships by Jennifer Holland. The book details 47 remarkable stories of animals of different species forming the strongest of bonds. One of these stories was about an elephant named Themba and a sheep named Albert. When Themba the elephant was just six months old, his mother died by falling down a cliff. The staff placed him initially with a herd of elephants in the South African nature reserve, where they hoped that the herd would adopt him. However, to the staff’s dismay, it did not work out. Therefore, they went with plan B, and paired the elephant with Albert the sheep. At their first meeting, Themba the elephant charged at the sheep, and forced him into an enclosure, where the sheep stayed for 12 whole hours. Definitely, not love at first sight. However, overtime, Themba the elephant became curious about this odd looking creature called a sheep. He would put his trunk on her wool and sniff her out. Afterwards, the two started examining the enclosure together. After some time, the two were inseparable and were found foraging for food, napping and playing together. Indeed, the strong bond formed by these two vastly different creatures was a very unlikely friendship.

This echoes the first reading about the wolf being the guest of the lamb, and the leopard lying down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion browsing together. These creatures are naturally enemies of one another. How is it possible that they now live in harmony? And if they are living in harmony, can we who are of the same species not live in peace with one another despite our differences? I think this was the implied message the book was intended to provoke. This is an important message. How do we simply get along with and live at peace with those who differ from us?

However, instead of elaborating on forming unlikely friendships with those we differ with, I would like to talk about an even more unlikely friendship, the friendship between our loving God and us. Even more different than a sheep from an elephant is God in comparison with us. Yes, an elephant is greater than a sheep, but how much greater is God than we. How much stronger, wiser, kinder and more lovely than we. Yet, despite the infinite gulf that separates us from God, he has come down to us. God the Son, perfectly blessed and happy in himself has joined the human race and became one of us. Surprisingly, he does not take us as slaves or even servants but has called us friends, for he has made known to us everything that he has heard from the Father. See what great love God has bestowed upon us. This is what we are celebrating during this Advent season. The coming of the Son of God to be our friend. Now that is a very unlikely friendship, and like the sheep and the elephant started imitating one another, through our friendship with God, we become more like him.

Prayer request. Please pray for Fr. Anselm, Br. Louis and I as we give Advent Parish Missions this week and for the seminarians who will be taking their finals next week. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Fr. Basil at his promotion ceremony as Navy chaplain. He was promoted by General Dan Caine, Chariman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and pinned by his father and CAPT Matt Thomas.

Oblate Calendar

2025
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III

2026

Jan
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
15 – Feast of St. Maurus and Placid (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Feb
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Br. Louis. Lectio Divina on the Prodigal Son.
8 – Oblate Sunday
10 – St. Scholastica (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
18 – Ash Wednesday
March
8 – Oblate Sunday
9 – St. Frances of Rome (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
31 – Easter Sunday
April
12 – Oblate Sunday
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday
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 –
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday –
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday