Oblate News & Events
September 30 - October 10, 2009
Oblate World Congress
Two oblates are representing Mount Angel Abbey at this year's Oblate World Congress held at the Ospitalita Salesianum in Rome. LaVern Hayworth (the Associate Oblate Director), from Hermiston, OR., and Pat Clark (Secretary to the Oblate Council), from Salem, OR., were chosen by Abbot Nathan Zodrow, O.S.B. upon the recommendation of the Director of Oblates, Fr. Pius X Harding, O.S.B.
In the midst of all their activities and presentations, Pat and LaVern have managed to check in with the Abbey two times:
"Hey there, having a good time. The Congress starts today. We went in to Roma yesterday and to St. Peters, then lunch etc. We took the bus, and it worked great from here. We prayed at the tomb of Saint Pius X! Well, just did morning prayer now off to breakfast. (Lavern)."
"Had to share with you about my day at Montecassino. It was incredible. The biggest gift from God is I had the privilege to sing with the Oblate schola for the Mass at montecassino and I can't even sing. Not only did I sing but the schola was behind the altar in the choir stalls facing the tomb of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica. There were no monks present as they had had their Mass earlier. The archabbot was the presider and this was his first Mass in English and his second time to preach in English. He did a great job. We also had lunch in the big refectory and we were the first group to eat in there since the Pope had eaten there. It is three long tables in a room that is about as long as a football field. Will have to show you pictures when I get back. It has been a great week. (Pat Clark)."
Lavern and pat will post full reports upon their return.
Friday, July 9 - Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saint Benedict's Day Festivities - Retreat & Picnic
Saint Benedict’s Day was celebrated this year on Sunday, July 11th. Thus, the Benedictine Oblate Weekend was a full celebration of our Blessed Father Saint Benedict! The monks enjoyed the presence of all who were able to join in the festivities.
Afternoon arrivals brought everyone together, for the retreat began with vespers on Friday, July 9, followed by a social on the Aquinas Hall patio and dinner in the seminary dinning room. A conference was given at 11:00. After mid-day prayer and lunch, there is a question & answer time was enjoyed at 2:00 p.m. The time between the conference and vespers was a quiet time for prayer and relaxation.
Refreshments were available on the Aquinas Hall patio during all free times. After dinner, the patio was once again the place for root beer floats and visiting with the monks. It is a rarity for the monks to socialize after vigils in the evening, so it was quite a rare opportunity. Breakfast on Sunday was served from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass was celebrated at the special time of 10:00 a.m., where all the oblates together renewed their oblation. The annual oblate picnic followed immediately with plenty of German sausage and other good things to eat and drink. Also, we were once again entertained by Bluegrass and folk musicians “LeRoy & the Sidekicks.” Toward the end of the program Fr. Pius X also sat in with his bodhran (celtic drum). As they say, "A good time was had by all," even though the festivities were moved inside due to threatening weather.
To make reservations for next year's Oblate Weekend, which will be held July 9-11, 2010, please contact Karen at the Retreat House: 503-845-3025 or by e-mail retreat@mountangelabbey.org . Specify whether you will be with us for the retreat, or just the picnic. The cost of the weekend: room, meals, conferences and socials is $155.00 for singles or $252 for doubles. There is no cost for the picnic, which is provided by the monks in gratitude for your prayers and fellowship. Likely both the Retreat House and Aquinas Hall will be utilized during this weekend celebration.
Again, all the monks hope you will be able to share this festival of Saint Benedict with us here at Mount Angel.
March 5, 2009
Benedictine Oblate Bowlers Prepare to Bestow Second Trophy
Eighteen bowlers are vying for the coveted "Bobbie," as the Benedictine Oblate Bowlers trophy is known. It will be awarded upon the completion of the Winter series on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Town and Country Lanes, Keizer, Oregon.
The Fall season was dominated by oblate Willie Davis of Keizer. He won the "Bobbie" (which is a 10" crystal cross) upon completion of the Fall series, December 4, 2008. Commenting on the possibility of taking home a second award in as many series, Willie noted that "the competition is fierce," and injuries might make that unprecedented feat more difficult.
That seems to be the case. The present leader is Deb Ehnes, sister of oblate Pat Clark of Salem. She leads with a total pin fall of 1181, averaging 131.2. Quite tragically, Deb and her husband Jim, will be forced to miss the final night of competition, which throws the race wide open. Terry Taylor of Salem, Ron Beyer of Mt. Angel, Jess Wells of St. Paul and Willie Davis are all in the hunt. There is some concern for the health of Ron Beyer, having injured his right ring finger during the last completion on March 5. We'll have to see how that plays out.
For those who would like to attend the final evening of the Winter Series, it begins with a social dinner in the bowling center cafe at 6:00 p.m. Bowling begins at 7:00, with the office of Compline (night prayer) concluding the festivities at around 9:00 p.m.
February 5, 2009
Fr. Harvey Fonseca Named Monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI
Reverend Harvey Fonseca, a priest of the Diocese of Fresno and oblate of Mount Angel Abbey was recently named a "Chaplain of Honor to His Holiness." Monsignor Fonseca is a native of Dos Palos, California, where her grew up on a dairy farm.
Before entering Mount Angel Seminary, he was elected and served as a Merced County, California Supervisor. Msgr. Fonseca is presently Pastor of Saint Jude Church in Livingston, CA, and Blessed Mother Theresa Mission in Delhi, CA. He also serves as dean of the Merced-Mariposa deanery of the Diocese of Fresno.
Proud of his Portuguese heritage, Msgr. Fonseca is pictured holding the Holy Spirit crown and scepter. Certainly, the Holy Spirit is working through Monsignor's priestly ministry, for presently Mount Angel seminary is home to four seminarians from Livingston and Delhi, CA.
