Notes to Oblates of Mount Angel Abbey

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 14, 2025

Dear Oblates,

“Be reconciled to one another”
– Gospel for Friday of the 1^st Week of Lent

The church gives us a key theme during this Lenten season, and it is reconciliation. Yes, prayer, fasting and almsgiving are all important, but if it is not complemented with forgiveness, they are empty gestures.

In his book Everybody Needs to Forgive Somebody, Allen Hunt recounts 12 stories showing the graces and power coming forth from forgiveness. One story took place during World War II. During this time, the ten Boom family organized a movement to rescue Jews, and because of this work, 800 Jews were saved. However, the ten Boom family were arrested by the German Gestapo. Shortly thereafter, the father died and the two daughters Corrie and Betsy were transferred to Ravensbruck brook near Berlin, where Betsy died 10 months later. Through divine Providence and a clerical error, Corrie ten Boon was released.

After she was released, Corrie received many invitations to speak about her rescue efforts, courage and survival. At one of the talks, she was shocked to see a former guard at Ravensbruck, and he was one of the cruelest of all the guards. Interiorly, she crumbled, she had flashbacks to the horrible experience of the camp. And now this man was standing before her. He said, “I was a guard at Ravensbruck, but I know that God has forgiven me, will you forgive me?” Corrie’s emotions raced. She remembered the pain, horror and her sister who had died. And now this man was simply going to reach out his hand and say it’s okay? After an inward struggle which lasted seconds, but felt like hours, she writes of what happened next, “I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.” Through this gesture, Corrie extended the fullness of forgiveness that Christ came to bring and was reconciled to her brother.

Forgiveness is not always easy. Allen Hunt writes, “giving grace to those who deserve vengeance seems unjust-at least to us humans. We like our grudges. We hold on to them in hopes of arriving at that day when we can give the offender his or her comeuppance. That is human. But God is not human-anything but. Grace provides a breathtaking snapshot of the heart of God. In forgiving, you experience the radical love of God, and you can actually feel his heart.”

As long as we are alive, we will experience the devastating consequences of original sin. Sometimes, we will be in the wrong. At other times, our neighbor will be in the wrong. In both cases, forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door to communion. We have a choice to make. We can either harden our hearts or seek understanding. We can either hold on to resentment and anger or let communion take its place. We can either bind ourselves in chains or we can set ourselves free by the power of forgiveness.

Who do we still need to forgive?

I gave my last conference on the 8 Evil Thoughts (acedia and pride) this past Sunday. You can now access it here.

An oblate mentioned to me a good podcast that I now share with you. It is the Desert Fathers in a Year podcast.

Prayer request. Please pray for our seminarians who were instituted as lector and acolyte on Wednesday (pictures below). 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

2025
March
21 – Passing of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
April
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
9 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 8, 2025

Dear Oblates,

“Jesus . . . was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil.”
– Gospel for the 1^st Sunday of Lent

The gospel reading for Sunday reminds us that we are not on the Lenten journey alone, but that that our Lord is accompanying us through these 40 days. We fast and do penance because he himself did. What was the context of Jesus’s temptation? Well, it happened immediately after he was baptized, where the Father said, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Lk 3:22). This scene gives us a lot of comfort, but immediately following it is a scene more shocking and repugnant to our sensibilities. The text says that Jesus “was led by the spirit into the desert.” The spirit guided our Lord to that place where there was no food, no water. It was a barren and dry climate. This happens to us as well. It is not unusual for someone who has just received Holy Communion or gone to confession to be put in very challenging circumstances, to be given a very heavy cross. I have also heard from oblates that shortly after making their final oblation some burdensome trial befalls them. They then asked, “why is this happening?” Perhaps, there is no clear answer, but maybe we can be comforted in knowing that Christ, immediately after his baptism, was thrown into the desert where he was alone and there was no sustenance.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t end there. In the desert of Sinai or in the desert of our lives, the devil will tempt us. He will tempt us to seek consolations for our flesh through food and drink. He will tempt us to materialism offering us the glamor of the world to take our mind away from our sufferings. Lastly, he will tempt us to test God rather than abandoning ourselves to God’s will. What are we to do in such circumstances? We are to imitate Christ. He, who is the word of God, spoke back to the devil with the word of God. Coincidentally, my oblate Sunday conferences have been exactly on this topic, that is, when we are tempted by a thought of the devil, we are to “talk back” to him with the word of God. Thus, Jesus says, “One does not live by bread alone,” “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve,” and, “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” God’s word is stronger than the devil’s words. The devil is the father of lies, but the truth of God ultimately triumphs. We have to continually remind ourselves of these truths and be rooted in God’s word.

The text then says that the devil, “departed from him for a time”. Thank God, but unfortunately, he will come back, and probably when we are in a weak and vulnerable state. But in the meantime–it does not say this in Luke only in Matthew–the angels came and ministered to him. How wonderful to hear these words. If the demons are attempting and attacking us, how much more are the angels present to us and protecting us. Therefore, when we are in the barren darkness of our lives, let us call upon the assistance of the holy angels, especially our guardian angels, who were sent precisely to minister to our needs.

You can now read Br. Ambrose’s latest article entitled, “The Pure Love of Brothers.”

Happy feast day of Saint Frances of Rome (March 9), who is the patron of all oblates. You can obtain a plenary indulgence on this day given the usual conditions. I send a special blessing to all who take Saint Frances as their oblate patron.

Prayer request. Please pray for Abbot Jeremy as he celebrates the anniversary of his election on March 12 (9 years). Please pray for the Theological Symposium happening this 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

P.S. – Ash Wednesday Mass pictures below.

Oblate Calendar

2025
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
9 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 1, 2025

Dear Oblates,

Lent 2025

Saint Benedict in chapter 49 gives us a wonderful statement on the observance of Lent, and I think it is neat that his monasteries were already engaging in this liturgical season.

Saint Benedict says that the life of a monk/oblate ought to be a continuous Lent, that is, we ought to be always dying to ourselves, so as to allow Christ to live in us, but Saint Benedict knows that we are weak and do not always do this. Therefore, he tells us to  try to do this at least “during these days of Lent.” What ought we to be doing? He lists several points.

One, we are to “keep our manner of life most pure.” He desires that we have a pure heart and keep away from sin and impurity. Yes, we ought to always be far removed from this but let us do so especially now. He also writes that we are to wash away the “negligences of other times”. What have we/are we neglecting to do? I think particularly in regard to our state in life. We can easily yield to trivial matters and neglect what is most essential.

Then, in one sentence Saint Benedict gives four concrete actions. The first is to devote ourselves to “prayer with tears”. He wants us to pray often and to pray honestly, that we would reveal all that is in our heart to God. Tears is a gift, so we cannot force it out of ourselves. Second, we are to read. Saint Benedict says in another chapter that during Lent a monk should read a book straight through (48). In this chapter too Saint Benedict says that a monk should to divide his time between work and reading. Third, he calls us to compunction of heart. This is related to the prayer of tears, but it is especially the expression of sorrow because of our sins and the ways in which we have offended our Lord. Hence, it is a good practice to regularly do an examination of conscience and go to confession during this holy season. Lastly, Saint Benedict writes that we are to practice self denial. This includes fasting, alms giving and others works of penance. These are concrete ways in which we can unite ourselves to the suffering Christ. Indeed the whole Christian life is nothing else than the dying to self and the living for Christ. This is what Saint Benedict hopes for us during this Lenten season.

Thank you for the many of you who have turned in your Bona Operas. It is always inspiring to read of your desire and effort to make progress in the spiritual life and grow in your love for Christ. It is not too late to turn these in. If this note has inspired you to do a little extra or make a change, please simply reply to this e-mail with your response.

Our next Oblate Sunday is March 9, and I will be giving the last of four conferences on John Cassian’s Eight Evil Thoughts. The notes for last month’s conference can be found here. This final conference will address the thoughts of vainglory and pride. 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, where you can visit with other Oblates. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room, and the day is concluded with Noon Prayer in the Abbey Church. It is a free event for oblates.  To register for in-person, click here; for remote option, click here.

I will be giving an Oblate Lenten Day of Recollection at St. Andrew parish in Sumner, WA (near Tacoma) on March 29, 2025 from 9am-2pm. To sign up, please click here. Schedule below:
9:30am – Mass
10:15 – refreshments
10:45 – talk
11:45 – Noon Prayer and lunch
12:45 – talk 2

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2025
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
9 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
February 22, 2025

Dear Oblates,

The Chair of Saint Peter

Today we celebrate the feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. It reminds us of the Apostolic origin of the Catholic faith and how Christ chose to build His church on Peter’s profession of faith. There are many things of note in regard to today’s feast and readings, but the line that stuck out to me today was, “I shall give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven”–perhaps, it caught my attention because I am the Abbey locksmith. How much trust God has in man, or rather, how good and powerful God is that he entrusts such a responsibility to a man, namely St. Peter and his successors.

When we look at Saint Peter, we can argue that he would not have been a good candidate for such a lofty office. He was a humble fisherman, probably not knowing the intricacies of the law or divine worship. When Christ initially called him, Peter said, “depart from me Lord for I am a sinful man,” and how true those words would be. Immediately after professing that Christ is the Son of God, Saint Peter denies the reality of the cross. At which point Christ says to him, “get behind me Satan.” Strong words for a man who was just made Pope. Then, at the trial before Pilate, Saint Peter denies our Lord three times. We would think that after the resurrection of our Lord, Saint Peter would have been more perfect but no. Saint Paul has to rebuke him publicly for being concerned about human respect.

However, Christ knew all this before handing Saint Peter the keys, and still Christ made Saint Peter guardian of the Kingdom. Here we see the providential hand of God guiding all things. What if Saint Peter was perfect? What if all popes were made perfect instantly upon their election? We could imagine how high a standard they would have made it to get into heaven. However, if the guardian of the kingdom is a man who is weak, frail and sinful, how much more will he extend mercy and kindness to others. Yes, God has chosen weak leaders for a weak Church, and when we lean into our weakness, then we are strong in Christ.

Let us remember to pray for our Holy Father this day, for his sanctity, for his growth in wisdom and discernment and for his physical health.

Our next Oblate Sunday is March 9, and I will be giving the last of four conferences on John Cassian’s Eight Evil Thoughts. The notes for last month’s conference can be found here. This final conference will address the thoughts of vainglory and pride. To see the notes from the last Oblate Sunday, 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, where you can visit with other Oblates. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room, and the day is concluded with Noon Prayer in the Abbey Church. It is a free event for oblates.  To register for in-person, click here; for remote option, click here.

I will be giving an Oblate Lenten Day of Recollection at St. Andrew parish in Sumner, WA (near Tacoma) on March 29, 2025 from 9am-2pm. To sign up, please click here. Schedule below:
9:30am – Mass
10:15 – refreshments
10:45 – talk
11:45 – Noon Prayer and lunch
12:45 – talk 2

You should have received your Lenten Bona Opera by now. Please get this back to me by February 28, so you can receive it back with my blessing. If for some reason you did not receive it, please click here for the PDF. You can just print it out and mail it back to me.

Prayer request. Please pray for the meetings of the Abbey Foundation of Oregon this 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

Discerners. Please pray for them.

From the snow last week.

This is what happens to seminarians who grow cold in their prayer.

Oblate Calendar

2025
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
9 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
February 14, 2025

Dear Oblates,

Father Ralph likes to quip, “celebrating Valentine’s Day in the monastery is like celebrating Father’s Day at an orphanage.” Therefore, inspired by this, I would like to focus on the two saints Mount Angel Abbey celebrates in the liturgy today, St. Cyril and St. Methodius. St. Cyril and St. Methodius (9th century) are perhaps most well known for their missionary activity among the Slavic peoples and translating the Bible into Old Church Slavonic using a newly created alphabet known today as Cyrillic.

For the Office of Readings for today, we read a selection from the old Slavonic life of Constantine (Cyril’s former name before becoming a monk). The reading points to his unwavering faith as he is struck with an illness that will eventually take his life. A phrase that he uttered as death approached was this, “From now on, I am not the servant of the emperor or any man on earth but of almighty God alone. Before I was dead, now I am alive and I shall live forever.”

There are two points of this statement. The first focuses on Cyril’s mission as a servant of God. He did not serve the emperor, his friends or any bishop. No, he could say with all confidence that he lived for God alone. His whole life of preaching and writing was a testament to this truth. The second part of the quote speaks of his faith in the eternal. St. Cyril saw the reality of life on earth as short and transitory, full of death and decay. He knew full well that death was the springboard to eternity, where he would be alive in a way never possible on earth. Thus, he could say, “Before I was dead, now I am alive.”

May we, like St. Cyril, live our lives for God alone and fix our eyes on eternity.

I will be giving an Oblate Lenten Day of Recollection at St. Andrew parish in Sumner, WA (near Tacoma) on March 29, 2025 from 9am-2pm. To sign up, please click here. Schedule as follows:
9:30am – Mass
10:15 – refreshments
10:45 – talk
11:45 – Noon Prayer and lunch
12:45 – talk 2

For those of you are interested in following the Abbey liturgical year, here is the liturgical calendar for the Abbey for the year 2025.

You should have received your Lenten Bona Opera by now. Please get this back to me by February 28, so you can receive it back with my blessing. If for some reason you did not receive it, please click here for the PDF. You can just print it out and mail it back to me.

Happy feast day! Say a little prayer for Br. Cyril.

Prayer request. Please pray for the 10 men who will be with us on the monastic discernment retreat this 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

New Oblates. Kyrria “Paula” Martinez, Bryce “Micah” Webster, Kaitlyn “Zelie” Edmonds and Matthew “Joseph” Edmonds.

New Novices.

More new Novices.

Oblate Calendar

2025
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints and Notables.
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
9 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
February 7, 2025

Dear Oblates,

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

If you know of a man who is discerning a monastic vocation, please consider recommending that he visit the Abbey.

Oblate Calendar

2025
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints and Notables.
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
9 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 31, 2025

Dear Oblates,

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

P.S. – The pictures below are from my time with the Salesian priests, brothers and sisters in East Timor.

Oblate Calendar

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints and Notables.
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
9 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 24, 2025

Dear Oblates,

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints and Notables.
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
9 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 17, 2025

Dear Oblates,

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Please check our new vocation video “A Day in the Life [of a monk]”

Oblate Calendar

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints and Notables.
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
12? – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 11, 2025

Dear Oblates,

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

P.S. Pictures below from the SEEK conference.

Oblate Calendar

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints and Notables.
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
12? – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 3, 2025

Dear Oblates,

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints and Notables.
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
12? – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
December 24, 2024

Dear Oblates,

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
December 20, 2024

Dear Oblates,

December 21. O Radiant Dawn. How beautiful and how wonderful is the dawn. It is for us a sign of hope telling us that darkness has not triumphed, and for many of us, this is simply all we need. We do not need to see the full glory of the sun in its zenith, but only a ray of light, a ray of hope reminding us that goodness can still prevail. When Christ came into the world, he was a prophecy pointing our mind’s gaze and our heart’s desires heavenward. This light is warm and gentle; it is a light that shines upon those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and guides our feet into the way of peace.

December 22. O King of the Nations. Christ is king, and he is king over ALL the nations, so that the two may be one, Jews and Greeks, men and women, slaves and freeborn. All those who thought that they could have never been united or come together in any way are in Christ made one. Yes, this is the prayer of Christ himself, that all may be one (Jn 17:21) How can we all be one? There is only one way, and it by making Christ the “cornerstone” of our lives, of our families, our communities and our country. May Christ truly be king of our lives, so that he may be king of all nations.

December 23. O Emmanuel. This is the last and the climax of the O antiphons. The other antiphons compared to this one or as a footnote to the glory of this title, for if “God is with us” what more do we need. Having God, we who are poor possess all things. Emmanuel means that we are not alone. Emmanuel means God does care about our happiness. This cry of “O Emmanuel, Come” is no a childish Advent hymn but a deep and urgent longing of our heart. This desire finds its realization in a little baby born in a manger in Bethlehem. In the silent night when all is calm, Christ our savior is born.

Where does he need to be born in our life?

Br. Ambrose’s latest article, just in time for Christmas, entitled, “When Came the West’s Frist Christmas Carol? (Or: The Birth of an Ambrosian Hymn) is now available.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints: St. Henry, St. Frances of Rome, Servant of God Dorothy Day and Nadeem Feroze (d. 2012)
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
12? – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
December 13, 2024

Dear Oblates,

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

 

Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration.

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Please pray for Br. Matthew who was instituted as acolyte this week.

Oblate Calendar

December
15 – Hispanic Oblate Posada.

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints: St. Henry, St. Frances of Rome, Servant of God Dorothy Day and Nadeem Feroze (d. 2012)
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
12? – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
December 6, 2024

Dear Oblates,

Saint Augustine famously coined the term, “we are an Easter people and alleluia is our song.” Although I am not arguing with this declaration, I think we can also say, “we are an Advent people and maranatha [Come, Lord Jesus] with our song.” I think this because, unfortunately, in many areas of our life, we do not experience the glory and new life wrought by our Lord’s resurrection. Indeed, we seem to be waiting for the Lord to act decisively in our life and bring about a change. We can sympathize with the Israelites, who thousands of years ago, longed for the coming of the Messiah and longed for a savior. They knew what it was like to walk in darkness and be in bondage, and their cry was, “Come, O Lord.” We too experience, at least in some areas of our life, that darkness and that bondage. We also know that our efforts will fall/have fallen short of bringing about a remedy. As a result, we cry out maranatha, “Come Lord Jesus”.

Come, Lord Jesus into this area of sin in which I am trapped and can find no way out. Come, Lord Jesus into this relationship that is beset with anger, bitterness and resentment. Come, Lord Jesus into this impossible situation in my workplace or my family. Come, Lord Jesus and alleviate at least a fathom of this unbearable cross. The cry for help can go on and on. I believe that each one of us has one or several areas of our life where we need a profound advent of the Lord. Consequently, we pray and wait and wait and wait. Yes, indeed, we are truly an Advent people and maranatha is our song. May we wait patiently and with hope.

It is not too late to start an Advent lectio calendar. For each day, simply do your lectio divina and write down a word or phrase that strikes you. In this way, you can listen with the ear of our heart to what God is saying to you during this Advent. Here is a copy of my personal lectio calendar.

I am hoping to start a group consisting of oblate spiritual directors. If you are a spiritual director and are interested in being a part of this support/discussion group, please let me know.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

 

Fr. Jeff decorating the tree in Annunciation.

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Cold morning overlooking the valley.

Oblate Calendar

December
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Glutton and Lust
9 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
15 – Hispanic Oblate Posada.

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints: St. Henry, St. Frances of Rome, Servant of God Dorothy Day and Nadeem Feroze (d. 2012)
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
12? – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
November 30, 2024

Dear Oblates,

Tomorrow we begin a new liturgical year with the season of Advent. As Benedictines, the liturgical year ought to be nourishment for our spiritual life and a source of deepening our walk with Christ. The Christological mystery that we celebrate during the Advent season has a twofold character. During this season, we are preparing both for Christ’s coming in the flesh (Incarnation) and for his second coming in glory (Parousia). The season is marked by a quasi-penitential character and expectant delight.

A way for us to enter more fully into this season of Advent is to journey with the saints, whose feast day resides during this season. As I say, it is nearly impossible to keep an Advent spirit because our culture starts to celebrate Christmas right after Thanksgiving. However, let us do the little we can to keep the season of Advent focused on Christ’s twofold coming. The following paragraphs are reflections on how the saints during this week can help us make the season of Advent more substantial.

December 3 – Saint Francis Xavier. He was born in Spain in the 16th century and was one of the original founders of the Jesuit order along with Saint Ignatius. Saint Francis left his homeland and proclaimed the Gospel in India, China and Japan. Through his efforts, he brought 30,000 souls to Christ. This feast of Saint Francis Xavier reminds us that Christ was the first missionary. He was the one who was sent by God the Father to leave his heavenly homeland and to become a foreigner in a strange land. Christ left behind all that was familiar to him to proclaim the good news to a people in need. He had to undergo much sacrifice and endure many trials like every missionary. Our Lord did this because it was the Father’s will and he loved us.

December 4 – Saint John Damascene. Saint John lived in Damascus around the year 700. He is a doctor of the church and was known for his defense of sacred images. The use of sacred images in prayer is both licit and laudatory because of the mystery of the Lord’s incarnation. We read in Colossians that Christ “is the image of the invisible God” (1:15). While some Christians wanted to prohibit the use of icons due to the Old Testament prohibition against graven images (Ex 20:4), Saint John knew that because the eternal Word of God became man, God now has a face, and we can paint his image and venerate it. Today, let us gaze intently upon an icon or image of Christ, and say a prayer of thanksgiving for his incarnation.

December 6 – Saint Nicholas. We really don’t know much about Saint Nicholas, a.k.a. Santa Clause, except that he was bishop of Myra, attended the First Council of Nicea and showed compassion toward the poor. Legend has it that he tossed three bags of gold coins into the home of a man who was on the verge of selling his daughters. St. Nicholas is a reminder for us to practice the virtue of generosity. Oftentimes, the Advent season can be marked with a selfish attitude. What do I want? Saint Nicholas reminds us that life is not about us but about serving Christ in others, especially in the poor.

Another way of keeping the Advent spirit is by keeping an Advent lectio calendar. For each day, simply do your lectio divina and write down a word or phrase that strikes you. In this way, you can listen with the ear of our heart to what God is saying to you during this Advent.

Our next Oblate Sunday is December 8, 2024, and I will be giving the second of four conferences on John Cassian’s Eight Evil Thoughts. You can view the first conference, which was a General Introduction, online. This second conference will address the thoughts of gluttony and lust. 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, where you can visit with other Oblates. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room, and the day is concluded with Noon Prayer in the Abbey Church. It is a free event for oblates.  To register for in-person, click here; for remote option, click here.

The Hispanic Oblates are putting on their annual Posada on Sunday, December 15^th. It begins with Vespers in the Abbey Church and is followed by a meal in the Damien Center. To register for the event, please click here. Please sign up by today.

Br. Ambrose’s latest article entitled, “Monastic Life: Tragedy or Comedy?” can be accessed here.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

December
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Glutton and Lust
9 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
15 – Hispanic Oblate Posada.

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints: St. Henry, St. Frances of Rome, Servant of God Dorothy Day and Nadeem Feroze (d. 2012)
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
12? – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
November 22, 2024

Dear Oblates,

 “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world”
– Gospel for Sunday

This Sunday, we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. At the Abbey it is known as an OS (Order of Subprior) feast, so I’ll be the main celebrant for Mass. We also have OP (Order of Prior) and OA (Order of Abbot) feast days. The next OA feast is Thanksgiving Mass at 9am.

In establishing the feast of Christ the King, Pope Pius XI wanted us to place our hope not in secular kings and governments, but in the true King, Christ the Lord. It would be an error to believe that we can establish the Kingdom of God through political maneuvering or social activity. No, while we are on earth, the prince of the world, that is the devil, holds sway. Christ came to establish a spiritual kingdom through his Church. He does not reign through fear and terror as world leaders of old did, but as Revelation states, he is a King who loves us and has freed us by his blood. He was a king who did not live for himself, but rather was a king who gave his life for the people on Mount Calvary, and because of that, we can truly say that he is the true King of the mountain.

However, his “Kingdom does not belong to this world”. Saint Therese tells us that Christ is the king of hearts and his kingdom resides within each one of us. Christ did not come into this world to reign over nations, but as Pope Pius XI wrote, “He must reign in our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ. He must reign in our wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God. He must reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires and love God above all things, and cleave to him alone.”

How is Christ’s reign visible in our life?

Our next Oblate Sunday is December 8, 2024, and I will be giving the second of four conferences on John Cassian’s Eight Evil Thoughts. You can view the first conference, which was a General Introduction, online. This second conference will address the thoughts of gluttony and lust. 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, where you can visit with other Oblates. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room, and the day is concluded with Noon Prayer in the Abbey Church. It is a free event for oblates.  To register for in-person, click here; for remote option, click here.

Prayer request. Please pray for the eternal rest of oblate Lillian “Ita” Davidson. She died earlier this week. Please pray for our alumnus, Fr. Chi-Nan Vo (picture below), who was ordained to the priesthood last weekend. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Happy Feast of St. Cecilia!

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

December
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Glutton and Lust
9 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
15 – Hispanic Oblate Posada. To register for the event, please click here. Please sign up by November 30^th.

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints: St. Henry, St. Frances of Rome, Servant of God Dorothy Day and Nadeem Feroze (d. 2012)
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
12? – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
November 15, 2024

Dear Oblates,

 On Dryness in Prayer

As you know, I was out most of last week due to an illness, and my experience of prayer during that time was quite dry and difficult. Perhaps, it was due to the lack of sleep or the bodily exhaustion, but whatever the case, whenever I was praying my brain was like a foggy morning hovering over in the valley. I would finish my prayer–silent prayer, the rosary or lectio divina–and wonder what just happened. Then I would ask myself how fruitful that prayer actually was. This experience of dryness or difficulty during prayer does not merely have to take place when one is sick but can happen in our regular prayer routine.

What I found quite helpful was reading what Saint Francis de Sales writes concerning this. He writes, “it is then a great mistake . . . to imagine that a tasteless, emotionless, cold service is less acceptable to God; since our actions are like the rose which is more pleasing when it is fresh, but has a more powerful scent when it is dry. So although those works which we perform with a kindled heart are more agreeable to us, who consider only our own gratification, yet, if they are performed amidst drought and barrenness, they are more costly and fragment unto God.” In short, Saint Francis is telling us that even dry or difficult prayer can be quite pleasing to God. I think this can be applied not only to prayer but to the good works that we do as well. Sometimes, we have to do something but don’t really feel like doing it. The activity is not pleasing to us. That is okay. Not everyone likes changing diapers, but if we still do it, no matter how unpleasant it may be for us, we can think of it as offering a dry rose to God. That is something beautiful in His eyes. Therefore, during your day or week, think about those dry and difficult moments and offer it up to God as a sacrifice of love. He welcomes with delight the love you show him whether it is pleasant to you or not.

The videos for Br. Ambrose’s September Oblate retreat can now be viewed here. His talks were entitled, “Luminous Darkness, Encountering Christ in the Uncomfortable Scriptures.” Talk titles are as follows:

1. “First Things” First: Rules for Reading the Bible.
2. The Wars that are Waged through Jesus”: Joshua 10 and Origen of Alexandria.
3. “Destroy Them in Anger . . . Destroy Not”: Psalms 57-59 and Gregory of Nyssa.
4. “Not Every Adultery Must be Condemned”: 2 Samual 11 and Ambrose of Milan.

The Hispanic Oblate are putting on their annual Posada on Sunday, December 15^th. It begins with Vespers in the Abbey Church and is followed by a meal in the Damien Center. To register for the event, please click here. Please sign up by November 30^th.

Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Four new novices. Annie, Angela, Gabriela and Matthew.

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Late novice addition. Seminarian Victor Amador.

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Seven new oblates with Abbot Jeremy. Barbara “Therese”, Joanne “Teresa [of Calcutta]”, Bethany “Teresa Benedicta”, Travis “Peter”, Laura “Mary”, Allen “Thomas” and Michael “Ephrem”.

Oblate Calendar

December
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Glutton and Lust
9 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
15 – Hispanic Oblate Posada. To register for the event, please click here. Please sign up by November 30^th.

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints: St. Henry, St. Frances of Rome, Servant of God Dorothy Day and Nadeem Feroze (d. 2012)
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
12? – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
November 1, 2024

Dear Oblates,

 “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.”
– Matthew 5:8

God is everywhere and in every situation and circumstance of life, but due to the consequences of sin, we fail to see the God who is always present to us. The saints, whom we celebrate today, were able to see God with the eyes of faith in their daily lives. We, who are trying to make our way to heaven, are less faithful. We don’t see the hand of God in our daily life, and there are several reasons for this.

One reason is because we are too busy and do not make the time to place ourselves in the presence of God. Saint Francis de Sales always recommended to begin prayer with this practice. The second reason is that we simply prefer the glamour of sin to the cross of Christ. It is easier to sin, more enjoyable to do it, and it makes us feel happy, at least momentarily. As a result, we blind ourselves from the loving gaze of the Father and intentionally place shades over our eyes. We do not have that purity of heart that Jesus speaks about. Lastly, we do not see God because our experience of life is so painful, and we say to God, “Lord do you not care?” “Where were you when my loved one died? Where were you when I got into a major accident? Where were you when I was stonewalled by my spouse?” Those are all legitimate questions, so in such circumstances, we need to dig down deeper in faith. “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.” God is present everywhere. Yes, even in the heavy crosses we carry. Oftentimes, we have a narrow vision and a limited perspective. The saints, however, had a broad vision, in which they were able to see the providential hand of God guiding every circumstance of life. Hence, they would have been able to pray the preface of the Mass with all honesty “It is truly right and just, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord Holy Father almighty and eternal God.”

We can be confident knowing that all things work for the good of those who love God (Rm 8:28), and that we can give thanks to the Lord because he is good, for his mercy endures forever (Ps 136:2). The saints, all the saints, are witnesses that we can see God in all the circumstances of our life. They themselves lived through extremely difficult times of great distress and came out victorious. May we open wide our eyes of faith today that we may see Christ everywhere, in everyone and in every circumstance.

Last week I gave a homily on the anniversary of Br. Gregory’s death. Some of you mentioned how much you appreciated, and my guess is that about 300 of the oblates benefited from his hospitality in the guesthouse. If you would like to listen to the homily, please click here. It starts at the 21:25 minute mark.

Br. Ambrose’s latest article entitled, “Novels Are Not Just for Literature Professors… (Or: What Is Br. Ambrose Reading Now?)” is now available on the oblate articles page.

Our next Oblate Sunday is November 10, 2024, and I will be giving the first of four conferences on John Cassian’s Eight Evil Thoughts. This first conference will be a general introduction, and I will address the following:

1. What is a thought? What other words can help us with this understanding?
2. The similarities and differences between the eight evil thoughts and the seven deadly sins.
3. The relationship between the evil thoughts.
4. Understanding our principal vice.
5. Cultivating the opposing virtue as a way to overcome the evil thoughts.
6. The concept of anti-rhetikos, that is, talking back to the evil thought using Sacred Scripture.
7. Other general remedies to overcoming the evil thoughts.

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, where you can visit with other oblates. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room, and the day is concluded with Noon Prayer in the Abbey Church. It is a free event for oblates.  To register for in-person, click here; for remote option, click here.

Prayer requests. Please pray for the eternal rest for all the holy souls in purgatory. Also, please pray for Abbot Peter McCarthy, O.C.S.O., who is with us for a 3-week retreat. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

A Blessed Feast of All Saints,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

From Seminary Benefit Gathering.

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From Seminary Benefit Gathering.

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Sanctuary during Foundation Day. 142 years and still flourishing.

Oblate Calendar

November
8-10 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Matthew. Listening with the Ear of Your Heart: Meditations on the Prologue of the Holy Rule.
10 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, General Overview. To register for in-person, click here; for remote option, click here.
December
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Glutton and Lust
9 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
15 – Hispanic Oblate Posada

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints: St. Henry, St. Frances of Rome, Servant of God Dorothy Day and Nadeem Feroze (d. 2012)
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
12? – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
October 25, 2024

Dear Oblates,

 “The heavens proclaim the glory of God”
– Psalm 19:1

As you know, I flew out last week to North Dakota to visit the oblates. I won’t write about that experience here but rather say a little bit about my trip back.

Two days ago, I flew back to Portland from North Dakota via Minneapolis. Oftentimes, flying is not the most pleasant experience for me, waiting in long lines, cramped seats, loud and obnoxious passengers and two pieces of pretzel for lunch. However, the flight from Minneapolis to Portland was quite different and grace-filled. It was a sunny afternoon day when the plane took off in Minneapolis, and as we ascended to the skies, I looked out my window and saw a majestic scene, brilliant fall colors of sunny yellow, glowing orange and fiery red. Different hues of greens and a multitude of placid lakes decorated the landscape. As the flight continued, I looked out my window once more and saw another remarkable sight, fluffy clouds in dazzling white reflecting the sun’s brilliance and an open blue sky that stretch as far as the eye could see. After dozing in and out of consciousness for some time, we began our descent as the sun was beginning its descent. I looked out my window again, and I saw Mt. Adams in all her glory, snowcapped, floating on the clouds and shimmering in the evening light. In the distance was mount Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier joining the lovely procession. As the downward climb continued, I gazed upon the rugged desert landscape along the Columbia River, which slowly gave way to a blanket of fir trees and lush green foliage.

I saw in all this beauty a sign of God’s love and was truly grateful to see what billions of people have never seen.  The words of the psalm rang loud and clear, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God.” God is alive! He is good and loves us immensely!

May we open our eyes today to the marvelous love of God through his numerous signs and give thanks to Him with all our hearts.

Our next Oblate Sunday is November 10, 2024, and I will be giving the first of four conferences on John Cassian’s Eight Evil Thoughts. This first conference will be a general introduction, and I will address the following:

1. What is a thought? What other words can help us with this understanding?
2. The similarities and differences between the eight evil thoughts and the seven deadly sins.
3. The relationship between the evil thoughts.
4. Understanding our principal vice.
5. Cultivating the opposing virtue as a way to overcome the evil thoughts.
6. The concept of antirrhetikos, that is, talking back to the evil thought using Sacred Scripture.
7. Other general remedies to overcoming the evil thoughts.

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, where you can visit with other Oblates. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room, and the day is concluded with Noon Prayer in the Abbey Church. It is a free event for oblates.  To register for in-person, click here; for remote option, click here.

Prayer requests. Please pray for the eternal of Br. Gregory Benavidez, whose anniversary Mass we will celebrate tomorrow. Please also pray for the success of the Seminary Benefit Gathering, which is tomorrow. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Seminarians presented as candidates for Holy Orders.

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Men on discernment retreat last weekend. I am happy to say four of them are students or alumni of Chesterton Academy, where I am chaplain.

Oblate Calendar

November
8-10 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Matthew. Listening with the Ear of Your Heart: Meditations on the Prologue of the Holy Rule.
10 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, General Overview. To register for in-person, click here; for remote option, click here.
December
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Glutton and Lust
9 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
15 – Hispanic Oblate Posada

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints: St. Henry, St. Frances of Rome, Servant of God Dorothy Day and Nadeem Feroze (d. 2012)
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
12? – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
October 17, 2024

Dear Oblates,

Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant
– Mark 10:43

I will be leaving tomorrow for North Dakota to visit some oblates, so this note is early. It is a reflection on the gospel for this Sunday.

How eager we are to claim our rights as friends of the powerful king and Lord. Like James and John, we desire the positive benefits of the name Christian. Like them, we want to share in the glory of the Lord. While this may eventually happen, Jesus tells the apostles and us that the only way to enter into that glory is through the cup of suffering. That must have been quite the blow to the ambitious brothers. It is a blow to us as well. Unfortunately, no matter how much we try to deny it, the cross is our way to glory, our way to salvation, our way to God. As Jesus exhorts the apostles to share in his cup of suffering, so also he calls us to carry our cross daily and follow him.

What does this suffering entail? It means that if we wish to share in Christ’s glory, we must be a servant, for “whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.” A servant who does what is asked of him and does it with love. It means that we are slaves, continuously denying our own will and looking to the interests of the other; dying to ourselves, so that we can love our neighbor. This cup of suffering is made of humility. Only the humble person is willing to take the lowest place. This is also the way of Christ. As Saint Paul tells us in the letter to the Hebrews, “for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who has similarly been tested in every way” (4:15). Isaiah writes that the Messiah would give his life as an offering for sin and that through his suffering he would justify many (53:10-11). Our Lord, being truly human, understands fully the trial that comes with being a body, and because of this, he has great compassion on us here on earth. Not only does he sympathize with our weaknesses, but if we approach him and ask him for his help, we shall receive mercy and grace for timely help. Yes, the daily rigamarole is a heavy burden, and it seems that extra pieces of wood are laid upon our shoulders. But the Lord can do for us what Simon did for him, that is, he can help us carry our crosses, making our burden light.

Questions for reflection. Am I more interested in the benefits of being a Christian rather than truly being a Christian? What can I do to humbly serve those in need?

The Saint Anselm Online Deanery will begin their fall study on October 24, 2024. They will use the book Pray. Think. Act.: Make Better Decisions with the Desert Fathers by J. Augustine Wetta. If you are interested, please contact Mark Richards at mark.richards.ml@gmail.com.

Prayer request. Please pray for me and the oblates in North Dakota. Please pray also for the  men who will be with us on the monastic discernment retreat this 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

November
8-10 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Matthew. Listening with the Ear of Your Heart: Meditations on the Prologue of the Holy Rule.
10 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, General Overview.
December
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Glutton and Lust
9 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
15 – Hispanic Oblate Posada

2025
January
February
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Cyril – Oblate Saints: St. Henry, St. Frances of Rome, Servant of God Dorothy Day and Nadeem Feroze (d. 2012)
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Avarice, Anger, Acedia and Sadness.
March
5 – Ash Wednesday
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. John Paul on the 8 Evil Thoughts, On Vainglory and Pride
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
20 – Easter Sunday
May
11 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part I.
23-25 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Charles
June
15 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict. (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
12 – St. Benedict Festival
August
10 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
27 – Oblate Day of Prayer
September
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III.
19-21 – Oblate Retreat: Br. Thomas
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates).
October
12? – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part IV.
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
Decembe
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)