Notes to Oblates of Mount Angel Abbey
Fr. John Paul Le, OSB, director of the oblates of Mount Angel Abbey, writes frequent notes to the oblates of Mount Angel Abbey. The oblates are a vibrant and active community of lay people and priests who strive to live the Holy Rule of St. Benedict in the spirit of Mount Angel Abbey, as far as their state in life permits. The notes are a mix of spiritual reflection, instruction, and updates on current events within the community of monks and oblates.
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
June 26, 2026
Dear Oblates,
13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Our Lord speaks of the radicality of the Christian vocation in today’s gospel. He tells us directly that our love for him ought to be greater than our love for our father, mother, son and daughter. Not that we should not love our family, but that it should not take precedence over our love for the Lord. How many of the saints followed the path of our Lord to the chagrin of their family. I think this is one of the “hard” sayings of Jesus because naturally we love our family so much, and we would do anything for them, even die for them. However, this is where grace is necessary, to follow God even when it may be inconvenient for our family.
Perhaps this is why Jesus follows up this statement by saying that whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Putting our Lord first in our life can be a very heavy cross. We not only get push back from the world but also from our own families and communities. We may have to bear with insults, accusations and persecutions, but when born with love, grace flows forth.
This love for Christ above all else is nothing other than the greatest commandment, to love the Lord, our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. In loving God first, in putting him before all others, we actually love our family more, for we love God in them. There is no opposition between the love of God and the love of our neighbor. The devil may, however, tempt us in believing this is true. When we prioritize our spiritual life above all else, we love our family better and we become a blessing to them. Mother Teresa, who had so many demands, said that because of her communities’ commitment to prayer, they are able to love more. She said, “It [Prayer] has brought us closer together. We love each other better,…we love the poor with greater and deeper faith and love.” Therefore, let us not be afraid to put God first, to seek first his kingdom, for we know that if we do, all things will be given us as well.
When have you noticed God calling you to spend more time with him in the midst of family or community life? How did you respond and why? Can you acknowledge any blessings on the people in your life from times you have given your full attention to God?
If you would like a book recommendation try Benedict’s Way by Lonni Collins Pratt and Daniel Homan. One of our Deaneries is currently reading this book together.
Prayer request. Please pray for Please pray for Br. Ignatius as he leaves for L.A. tomorrow. Thankfully he has a job working as Religious Ed. coordinator at a parish. 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
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.
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A Note to Our Dear Oblates - June 19, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
June 19, 2026Dear Oblates,
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” These are the words spoken by our Lord to the apostles, but they are also words spoken to us. Yes, Christ speaks to us in the darkness in a whisper. Through the course of our lives, there are moments and seasons of darkness. It may last for a few minutes or even be prolonged for years, and even decades. During these times it is difficult to hear the voice of Christ speaking to us. We hear, rather, the voice of the world, the voice of the devil. The words they speak keep us in the darkness, lead us to confusion and give no reason for hope. We can very often be cornered and trapped by these discouraging thoughts.
However in this darkness, another voice speaks to us if we quiet our souls and open our hearts. It is the voice of God, often spoken in a soft whisper. These words can come all of a sudden, or from the scriptures or from a friend. This quiet whisper from God restores life to our souls, gives us hope and reminds us of God’s never-failing love. They are for us a ray of light shining through the dark clouds of darkness and despair.
A few weeks ago I was wallowing in my own sinful state, wondering how I can be a monk and priest. I recognized all too clearly my infidelity to the Lord and the ways in which I had offended him. And then, when I was saying Mass, God spoke to me during the words of consecration, “This is the chalice of my Blood…which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.” These words reminded me that Christ came not for the healthy but for the sick, that through his Blood we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. It was for me a powerful word from God spoken through a whisper. Of course, no one else at Mass knew what was going on in my soul, but my heart was lifted and a deep peace came to rest upon me.
When has God “spoken” to you in a whisper? Where were you? What did God want you to know? When has God prompted you to share what he whispered to you with someone else–someone who needed to hear this same message from him?
Prayer request. Please pray for the 19 discerners who are with us on retreat. Pray for the eight novices, who will be making oblation on Sunday. 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
June
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 - June 12, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
June 12, 2026Dear Oblates,
11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Gaze of ChristIn the gospel for this Sunday, we read that at the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them. This is the loving gaze of Christ with which he looks upon the crowds and the whole world. While our eyes make a superficial glance upon others and their suffering, Christ’s gaze is deep and penetrates to the depths of his heart. When he sees the exterior he does not stop there, but penetrates the depths of our souls to the source of our pain. In a simple phrase, Christ sees the whole person. How comforting is this truth.
Just as Christ looked at the crowds, so too does he look at us. He sees us when we wake up, when we eat, when we work and so on. However, this is not merely a superficial gaze, but his gaze pierces the depths of our souls. He knows when we are in pain, when we are joyful, when we are confused and troubled. Seeing us in our entirety, his heart is moved with deep compassion.
We might think that the Lord must have a feeling of disgust when he looks at us. We might think that if he knew our hearts, he would reject us. This is an utter lie. We may sometimes be our worst critic. We see every blemish and fault, and we hold a magnifying glass up to it. These sins and defects are too much for God we think. He can’t possibly love me just as I am, yet he does, even more than we can ever imagine. I hope that you may always know this loving gaze of Christ. In your shame, doubt and despair, imagine him looking at you with his penetrating eyes filled with compassion. This can be a wonderful meditation for us. We may be inclined to turn away from such love, but I encourage you to allow the gaze of Christ to penetrate your heart and soul, so that your gaze upon him may allow you to penetrate his heart.
Where is a place you find it easiest to open yourself to receive Christ’s gaze upon you? Try to notice his gaze upon you in the people around you this week, and ask him to allow his gaze to fall on others through your eyes as well.
Prayer request. Please pray for blessings upon the Day of Recollection I am giving tomorrow. Please pray for the success of the oblate Study Days 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
Photo from the May retreat.
Sacred Heart Icon. Please remember to pray the consecration prayer to the Sacred Heart.
Oblate Calendar
2026
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 - June 5, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
June 5, 2026Dear Oblates,
The Solemnity of Corpus Christi
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Is 55:9). The ways of God, the thoughts of God, the love of God are incomprehensible. As we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, we encounter in a profound way this stunning truth. Who could have ever imagined that the infinite, eternal, all powerful God would so condescend himself, so to become man, and not only that, but to make himself food for the life of our souls? How awesome is our faith. What dignity we have been endowed with that the maker of heaven on earth were desired to unite himself to us in a bond of love, in the sacrament of charity.
Yet, how easily it is to forget these amazing truths. We get caught up in the demands of life: school, work, family, friends, and entertainment. We get swept away by the waves of distraction, and can easily forget the God, who made us; the God, who is with us, always in the Eucharist. For this reason, we read that Moses tells the people to remember and not forget the marvelous deeds of God. Remember, remind yourself continually of God’s love, God’s providence, God’s care, God’s gift of himself. As children need a timeout to re-center themselves, so too, we need a timeout to pray to redirect our minds and hearts back to the ultimate reality, that is God.
What are we to remember? Jesus tells us that he is the living bread. Indeed, the Eucharist is the living and glorified Body and Blood of our Lord. Therefore, he who lives eternally can give life to us. We can sometimes be half dead, but Christ came so that we may be fully alive, transformed. Saint Augustine says that when we consume Christ in the Eucharist, he will not change into us, but we will be transformed into him. Hence, we are all sharers in the divine nature. In the Eucharist, Jesus tells us that we remain in him and he and us. It is a bond of charity that established deep communion between God and us. Christ with me; Christ before me; Christ behind me; Christ in me.
Here is a link to Pope Leo’s Encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas:
Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Leo XIV Magnifica Humanitas (15 May 2026)Our next Oblate Sunday is June 14th with Fr. Anselm giving the fourth of his four part series on redirecting love – Benedictine discipline and the formation of desire. 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.
Prayer request. Please pray for Br. Ignatius, who has discerned that he is called to leave the monastery after nine years. He has faithfully served our Hispanic oblates over the past three years. His replacement has yet to be determined. Please also pray for Br. Damien-Joseph of St. Martin’s Abbey, who will be ordained to the priesthood tomorrow. Please pray for the eternal rest of oblate Gregory “Francis Gregory” Smith. 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
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - May 29, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
May 29, 2026Dear Oblates,
The Divine Comedy
This past week, the monks had a wonderful retreat on Dante’s Divine Comedy led by Fr. Stephen Rowan. Thank you for your prayers. For the note, I would like to focus on one of the main ideas, that is, the Divine Comedy is the story of our lives.
We begin in the inferno, where the “I” is central, and as a result, we are held in bondage, enslaved to sin and vice. We are, like the Israelites, in Egypt subject to Pharoah and his cruel demands. This is a stage of disorientation. We are not directed outwardly to God but oriented toward ourselves. Thus, we give into the sins of incontinence, violence and fraud, the three circles of hell. In this stage of our life is much grief and we feel forsaken by God because we have forsaken him. In this state, there is no hope, no repentance, only an endless monologue.
From the inferno, we slowly move to the purgatorio, where the language shifts from the “I” to the “we”. The place where we find ourselves is in the desert, out of slavery, but not yet in our homeland. In this desert of purgatory, we reorient our soul through disciplines that help us overcome the seven deadly sins by climbing the mountain of purgatory. A discipline Dante speaks about is that of carrying heavy rocks for those who are prideful. The discipline causes us to decline, lower ourselves, to be close to the earth, to be humble. Eventually, we come to see the beauty of the virtues which counter our vices.
Lastly, we arrive in the paradiso, our true homeland, the promised shore to which we have been steering our boat. In this stage we move from the “we” to the “our” language. We are in true communion with God and others through love. For Dante, this coming to know and believe in love was mediated through the lovely Beatrice. He writes, “as I was gazing at her there, my heart was freed of every other longing.” Beatrice says to him smiling, “not in my eyes alone is Paradise.” She is saying that there is more to love, which Dante and we have yet to experience. However, one glorious day, we shall be able to say with him, “I felt my will and my desire impelled by the love that moves the sun and the other stars.”
Where in your life is the “I” keeping you in the inferno? What is the virtue you need to counter your predominant vice? Who is your Beatrice and who are you Beatrice to?
The annual Oblate Picnic will be on June 21, 2026. Mass will be at 10am followed by the picnic on the Abbey lawn. Click here to register. Please submit responses by June 5th.
From Archbishop Sample:
“Pray the Sacred Heart Novena (May 30-June 7). I will consecrate the Archdiocese of Portland and our efforts of Mission Renewal to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To prepare for this consecration, Sacred Heart Novena cards will be distributed so that the faithful may pray the novena at Mass and personally during these days. I also encourage a renewed devotion to the Sacred Heart, especially the First Friday devotion, offered for the intention of Mission Renewal.”
Please join our archbishop by praying this novena.Prayer request. Please pray for Abbot Jeremy as he travels to Rome next week and for the Dicastery of Divine Worship. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of OblatesP.S. Photos below: creatures at the Abbey.
The most terrifying of them all.
Oblate Calendar
2026
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - May 22, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
May 22, 2026Dear Oblates,
Wind, Fire and Tongues
During the last nine days we have been gathered in spirit in the upper room with the Blessed Virgin and the disciples praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Today, he comes and fills the hearts of all believers.
One important thing to note about the event is that they were all in one place together. The disciples were not each doing their own thing, isolated from one another, but rather, they were united as one community, praying together and supporting one another. This is the context from which the Holy Spirit descends upon the primitive Church and the same pattern is repeated today. St. Benedict writes upon summoning the brothers for counsel when an important matter is to be discussed because God often reveals what is best to the younger.
Secondly, we see three symbols representing the Holy Spirit, namely, wind, fire and tongues. The Holy Spirit is symbolized by the wind. It moves where it wills, and you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. The Holy Spirit tends to upend our best-laid plans and is always surprising us. Our response can be either that of stifling the Holy Spirit or allowing him to guide our plans. Also, the Holy Spirit as wind fills every nook and cranny; nothing goes untouched by it and it can enter the tightest of spaces.
Another image of the Holy Spirit is that of fire. Like fire, the Holy Spirit warms the chilling hearts of men. He enlightens us when we are walking in darkness without direction. When we grow cold in our faith and love, he makes our heart throb and pumps with increased vigor blood through our veins enlivening our whole being. As fire, he kindles our desire for God when we are lukewarm. As wind, he fans into flame a burning love for God and souls. He ignites our hearts with the fiery fountain of eternal love.
Lastly, we see the Holy Spirit depicted as tongues. By his action within us, we are enabled to boldly proclaim Christ as Messiah and Lord. Like the disciples, we too, can be afraid and timid, but also like the disciples, we can allow the action of the Holy Spirit to lead us to uncharted paths. He gives us words to speak when we are dumbfounded, for the Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness and gives us the words to speak. He loosens our tongues so that our speech can both attract and edify as the words of the Lord.
How often do I think about the Holy Spirit in the course of my day? In what context should I be more open to listening to the Holy Spirit?
The annual Oblate Picnic will be on June 21, 2026. Mass will be at 10am followed by the picnic on the Abbey lawn. Click here to register. Please submit responses by June 5th.
Prayer request. Please pray for the eternal rest of seminarian Tom Kloucek. Please pray for the eternal rest of oblate Josephine “Joann” Rivelli. Please pray for the eternal rest of oblate Vicki “Mary Therese” Smith. There will be a Memorial Mass for Vicki on Thursday, May 28 at St. Edward Parish, 5303 River Road North, Keizer. The Rosary is scheduled for 9:30 with the Mass to follow at 10:00 am. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates
Four new novices.
Two new novices.
New oblates: Diane “Gertrude” Dickman, Pauline “Hildegard” Ellis, Gabriela María “Bernadette” Salazar-Rayo, Kelly “Therese” Hudspeth, Friary “Mary” Nguyen.
Oblate Calendar
2026
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - May 15, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
May 15, 2026Dear Oblates,
The Ascension of Christ
God so loved the world that he sent his only-begotten Son to save it, and the eternal Son, in loving obedience, consented to this condescension for a time. After accomplishing his Paschal Mystery, that is, his death and resurrection, Christ would ascend to the Father’s right hand. He was, in a sense, pulled or drawn back to the Father’s heart, where he was from all eternity. However, before being drawn back to the Father, he had to draw all men to himself as he was lifted upon the cross. Now, having drawn us to himself, he can ascend to the Father. He was, as scripture says, lifted up or taken up by the Father with bands of love.
Love compels the lover to be united with the beloved, and so we can think that the Father gave his Son to the world that he might have his Son back with the world, that is, with us. The Collect for the Ascension makes this clear saying, “where the Head has gone before in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope.” This is a very comforting phrase, Christ, who is seated at the right hand of the Father in glory, is awaiting for the rest of his mystical body. We, who are still on earth, as a result can await with a hope that does not disappoint.
This takes us back to the original motivation of God’s action in sending his Son. As the Father sent his Son in the world as a wonderful act of love, so too, in the Ascension of Christ, the Father’s chief motive is none other than love. How can it be any different, for God is love.
When have you experienced love as both a descent and an ascent? Try to imagine the people you interact with and pass by today coming with you, ascending together, to Christ.
Prayer requests. Please pray for all those on the oblate retreat this weekend, especially for the five, who will be making final oblation on Sunday. Please also pray for all the monks as we will be making our annual retreat next week (May 18-22), and for Fr. Rowan who will be leading the retreat. Please pray for the eternal rest of oblate Michael “Joseph” Coryell. Please see our website for changes in the liturgical schedule during these days. 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
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - May 8, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
May 8, 2026Dear Oblates,
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
If You Love MeJesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” This statement is at once very simple and very challenging. Very simple because if the love of Christ is in our heart everything else will follow. It is very challenging because our love for Christ is imperfect, and we regularly break his commandments.
Therefore, the question that demands an answer is the following, “How does one grow in the love of Christ?” If everything is rooted in this, must there not be a way to make progress? There is, and to find the answer we simply have to read the words of the beloved disciple, St. John. He writes, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). In writing this, St. John is telling us that love is a gift and the growth in love is a divine prerogative. Therefore, the only way for us to grow in love is to allow God to first love us. We do this by opening our heart to him and spending quiet time in prayer with him.
In prayer, we must recognize our utter poverty of absolute dependence upon God for everything and abandon ourselves into his loving arms. Yes, rote prayer, devotions and spiritual reading is important, but what really matters is simply placing ourselves in the presence of God and allowing him to love us. “Our first task in mental prayer, instead of offering or doing anything for God, is to let ourselves be loved by him like very small children. Let God have the joy of loving us” (Jacques Phillipe, Time For God). We must be passive, receptive and open to what God desires to give us, namely, his love.
As people who sunbathe do not need to do any work besides taking off layers of clothing, so too, we simply have to take off the barriers that keep us from receiving God’s healing rays of love. Like the sun, God’s love gives warmth to our souls, light to our minds and penetrates to the depths of our being, transforming us with one healing ray of love at a time. The more time we spend in this type of prayer, the more we will experience God’s love, and having been loved by him, we can in return, love him back and keep his commandments.
When are there times in your day that you could place yourself in the presence of God? Do you have a time that is naturally quiet or you are alone that you could dedicate to focusing on the Lord? Do you have a chore or routine that allows your mind freedom to turn to him even while you are active or work?
The St. Benedict Festival is coming up quickly and will be on the solemnity of St. Benedict this year, July 11th. Please join us to celebrate!
For those interested in volunteering, please send an email expressing your interest in helping with the St. Benedict Festival to volunteer@mtangel.edu.
You may purchase tickets through the ticketing website, https://trellis.org/sbf-2026. Oblates receive a discount, using these promo codes:
SBF26OBLATE = 1 free ticket
SBF26OBLATEGUEST = 50% off, adult and youth, up to 6 ticketsI am now organizing my oblate emails through a separate email account so you may expect to see emails from me signed “Oblate Director” and from my new oblate director email address.
I’m sorry to inform you that the Oblate Day of Prayer in August has been canceled due to unexpected circumstances and Guesthouse availability.
Prayer request. Please pray for our seminarians who will be graduating tomorrow. You can watch the Baccalaureate Mass (8am) and the Commencement Exercises (10am) on our livestream at https://www.mountangelabbey.
org/mas-livestream/. Please pray for the eternal rest of oblate Janice “Maria Faustina” Snyder. She died on 05/03/2026. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program. Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates
Seminary faculty at work.
Oblate Calendar
2026
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - May 1, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
May 1, 2026Dear Oblates,
Fifth Sunday of Easter
There’s No Place Like HomeThe words of Jesus in this Sunday’s gospel are a healing balm. He says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” It is this faith that we have in Christ that helps us overcome the many trials and adversities we face in this modern age. We believe in Christ’s love, which has conquered sin and death and has made all things new by his glorious resurrection. Seated at the right hand of the Father, he goes to prepare a place for us in the Father’s house where there are many dwelling places, that is to say, the heart of the Father is infinite.
Next, we read the words, “I will come back again and take you to myself.” One day, we know not when, Christ will come again, not as a judge to condemn but as a son to save. When we were baptized, the Father placed our souls into the hands of his son, and no one can take us from his hands, but rather he will raise us up on the last day. Christ comes to take us to himself. That is a very beautiful image. As a bridegroom takes his bride into his home after the wedding feast, so too, Christ takes us to himself, so that we may be one with him in the bond of love.
The next words read, “so that where I am you also may be.” Our Lord desires simply that we may be with him. He wants to take us into his home. His home is in the bosom of the Father. In this place we find security, peace, rest and love. That is where he is from all eternity, in the heart of the Father, and that is where he desires to take us. While we live on earth, we are as exiles in a foreign land, always longing for our true homeland. In The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis’s character, Screwtape (the devil), mentions this longing for heaven to his apprentice, Wormwood: “The truth is that the Enemy, having oddly destined these mere animals to life in His own eternal world, has guarded them pretty effectively from the danger of feeling at home anywhere else.” The time will come when we breathe our last and Christ will escort us to the Father’s house, where he will say to us, “Welcome home.”
How does your faith in Christ help you through these troubling times? Try spending some time being quiet and resting in the heart of the Father.
Prayer request. Please pray for Abbot Jeremy on this, his namesday. Please also pray for the eternal rest of oblate Rob “Joseph” Krause. Also, pray for the seminarians who will be taking their finals next week, and for their safe travels. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates
From Abbot Jeremy’s abbatial blessing 10 years ago
Oblate Calendar
2026
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - April 24, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
April 24, 2026Dear Oblates,
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Good Shepherd SundayThe fourth Sunday of Easter is commonly known as Good Shepherd Sunday, for all the gospel readings for years A, B, and C are taken from John 10 on the Good Shepherd. The Church is giving us these readings that tell us that Christ, although risen from the dead, does not abandon his flock but cares for and nourishes them.
Let’s take a look at this Sunday’s gospel to see how Christ, the Good Shepherd, tends his flock. In one verse, we read, “When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice.” This verse can be broken down into three parts.
The first, “When he has driven out.” These words show us that the Lord is the one who takes the initiative and moves us. He drives us, perhaps at times, with his staff, to encourage us to do good works. Where does he drive us? He drives us not into the pen, but out into the world. We may, at times, become complacent and desire to rest in the serenity of routine and the familiar. However, our Lord will regularly drive us beyond what we are used to or comfortable with so that we might grow in our trust in him.
The second part, “he walks ahead of them.” After driving out his sheep, Christ takes the lead. He has given us an example to follow. We need not fear anything because he is our rock, our refuge, our shield, our good shepherd, a shepherd who will lay down his life for his sheep. In the pages of the gospel, we see how Jesus walks ahead of his disciples. He does this by teaching them, healing them and showing them how to love. He has blazed a trail before us so that we might know the way to verdant pastures.
The last part, “they recognize his voice.” Christ speaks to us. This is significant. He is not merely a shepherd who leads by example, but he also teaches us with his words of truth. His words are for us a healing balm, a call to conversion, a word of encouragement, a light in times of darkness. For the Benedictines, our primary way of learning and recognizing God’s voice is through lectio divina. While spending time meditating on the sacred pages, God speaks to our hearts. These words bring us peace, joy, hope and an increase in charity. As children are very familiar with the voice of their parents, through our lectio we become more and more familiar with the voice of the Lord.
How can I be a better sheep? How do you recognize God’s voice? How does his voice reveal itself in you and those around you in your day?
The St. Benedict Festival is coming up quickly and will be on the solemnity of St. Benedict this year, July 11th. Please join us to celebrate! You may purchase tickets through the ticketing website, https://trellis.org/sbf-2026. Oblates receive a discount, using these promo codes:
SBF26OBLATE = 1 free ticket
SBF26OBLATEGUEST = 50% off, adult and youth, up to 6 ticketsPrayer request. Please pray for the eternal rest of oblate Vikki “Mary Theresa” Smith. Please pray for all shepherds of the Church, Pope Leo, Archbishop Sample, Abbot Jeremy, and me, your unworthy servant. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates
Hispanic Oblate Retreat
The Monastic Community of Mount Angel Abbey
Oblate Calendar
2026
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - April 17, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
April 17, 2026Dear Oblates,
Third Sunday of Easter
“Who is your Cleopas?”There were two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and this is significant. How different would the story read if Cleopas were the lone disciple on that road, but no, he was with an unnamed disciple. These two men were probably close friends and perhaps even confidants to one another. They shared the same faith and hope in Jesus, that he would be the Messiah. Now, they are downcast, discussing with one another and debating the important events that impacted their lives. They might have spoken about their first encounter with Jesus, and the words he spoke which touched their hearts, and the many miracles and healings that he did. They might have also spoken about the bitter anguish and pain they felt when they had abandoned him and learned of his crucifixion and death.
Then suddenly, out of nowhere, our Lord appears to them and joins the conversation. This image of walking with someone on the road and discussing matters of faith may bring feelings of nostalgia and desire. So we can ask ourselves, “who is your Cleopas?” Is there someone you can go on a walk with and converse and debate with about the important things going on in the world, in your life; someone with whom you can discuss your hopes and disappointments? Friendship is such a wonderful gift from God. Scripture says, “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure. There is nothing so precious as a faithful friend, and no scales can measure his excellence” (Sirach 6:14-15). The two disciples were bosom companions of one another, and gathering together in the name of Jesus, he is made present to them.
So too with us, when we gather together in his Holy Name, he is present to us and speaks to us. This is how God has worked out his plan of salvation. As Benedictines, we know that community is necessary for our spiritual growth, and the promise of stability keeps us committed to one another and to Christ.
Action item. Take an Emmaus walk with someone this week.
There are still spots for the May (15-17) Oblate retreat and June (18-21) Oblate Study Days. Fr. Anselm is leading the May retreat on the Rosary and Fr. Stephen Rowan is leading the Oblate Study days on the lectionary in the Liturgical year.
Prayer request. Please pray for the eternal rest of oblate Sharon “Bernadette” Whitehead. She passed away in 2023, but I just found out. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates
Oblate Calendar
2026
April
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - April 10, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
April 10, 2026Dear Oblates,
Second Sunday of Easter
Quasimodo SundayThe second Sunday of Easter throughout history has had numerous names. It was formerly called Dominica in albis because the newly baptized on this day would be dressed in white. It is known today as Divine Mercy Sunday because our Lord revealed to Saint Faustina that he desired a feast of mercy on this day. A lesser known title for today is Quasimodo Sunday, quasi meaning “like” or “as”. This is the first word of the entrance antiphon for Mass, and it is packed with meaning. The antiphons throughout the liturgy give us a thought that we should focus on as we hear the prayers and readings of the Mass.
So what is the significance of this antiphon? The full quote reads, “Like newborn infants, you must long for a pure, spiritual milk, that in him you may grow it to salvation, alleluia.” Who are the newborn infants? They are the neophytes, who at the solemn Easter vigil were given the grace of new birth by water and the Holy Spirit. These neophytes are now thought of as spiritual infants, and as infants cannot take any food except for milk, so too the newly baptized are encouraged to long for pure spiritual milk. Of course, this is not meant simply for the neophytes but for all Christians.
So what is this pure spiritual milk? William Barclay and his commentary on 1 Peter states that it is the word of God. He writes this because the Greek word used here is logikon, which can mean reasonable, rational, spiritual or of the word. He suggests using of the word because in the previous chapter, Saint Peter speaks about being reborn through the “living and abiding word of God,” which “remains forever” (1 Peter 1: 23, 25). The word of God is the sure guide for the neophytes, while other words can be helpful, these words can also be tainted in some way. Another translation of the same verse reads, “the unadulterated milk of the word.” The word of God contains no mixture of evil. It is pure, innocent, holy and undefiled. It does not mix with the “mind” of the world but leads to the fullness of truth.
Therefore, it is this word of God that we should long for. Other translations use the word “crave” or “yearn”. The Greek word here is epipothesate, which is the same word used in Psalm 42, “as the deer longs for the running streams”. We can, therefore, drawing analogy of the deer with water, the infant with milk, and the Christian with the word of God. The deer will die without water; infants are nourished only by milk; and Christians will experience spiritual death if they do not drink from the wellspring of the word of God.
In conclusion, on this Quasimodo Sunday, may we like newborn infants crave, long and yearn for the nourishment and refreshment that comes from the word of God and act on it.
Our next Oblate Sunday is April 12th with Fr. Anselm giving the third of his four part series on redirecting love – Benedictine discipline and the formation of desire. The third topic focuses on the discipline of forgiveness. For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room.
Invitation from the Abbot Primate Jermias Schroeder, OSB
For years, Sant’Anselmo has expanded its enriching programs for the Benedictine family. Among them is our Monastic Summer Studium—crafted especially for English-speaking Oblates worldwide.This summer (July 5–25), embark on a transformative three-week journey through captivating topics: Artificial Intelligence and the Spiritual Life, a Benedictine lens on interreligious dialogue, and profound insights from the Liturgical Life. Complementing these courses are balanced activities—pilgrimages to revered Benedictine shrines, explorations of Vatican treasures, and ample personal time for prayerful reflection and growth.
Experience Rome not as a tourist, but immersed in study, prayer, and fellowship. Deepen your connection to the Benedictine tradition, nurture your spiritual life, and uncover the mysteries of the universal Church.
Learn more and register at:
https://www.collegiosantanselmo.com/en/curia-of-the-benedictine-order/oblate-monastic-summer-studium/Prayer request. Please pray for the eternal rest of Fr. Timothy’s father, John Kalange. 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 from Easter Vigil
Oblate Calendar
2026
April
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - April 4, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
April 4, 2026Dear Oblates,
Easter Vigil
The DawnIn a few hours, we will celebrate the most holy night of the year. It is the night on which, “Christ broke the prison bars of death and rose victorious from the underworld” (Exultet). For many centuries, we had been dominated by the fear of death, not simply of the body, but also the death of a relationship, the death of a dream, or the death of our health. With Christ’s resurrection from the dead, this has all changed.
The gospel tells us that the two Marys went to the tomb as the “first day of the week was dawning”. The dawn has the characteristics of both darkness and light. We see, but not yet fully. The two Marys had no idea what had passed during the preceding hours as Christ began a new creation by being raised from the dead. They simply showed up on the scene and saw the empty tomb. If darkness represents sin, emptiness and death, and light represents grace, fullness and life, then the dawn encompasses both aspects. And this is where we find ourselves. As Christians, we live in the dawn, partly in the darkness, and partly in the light. We know what it is to be held captive by the “darkness of sin” and “worldly vice”. We also know what it means to love and be led by grace. As the great battle between light and darkness occurred in the tomb of Christ, so too, there is a great battle between these two forces in our soul. We can never completely overcome the darkness, but we can always see the light. We live in the dawn; we are in the already but not-yet-fully. However, we live our life in hope because the dawn points to the rising sun, and the sun when it reaches its climax will overcome all darkness.
Yes, the resurrection of Christ has changed everything and has changed us, but that doesn’t mean that there is not more work to do. The celebration of the Easter vigil reminds us of the new life we have in Christ through baptism. May our lives be like the dawn, which announces a new day.
Happy Easter!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates
Oblate Calendar
2026
April
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - April 3, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
April 3, 2026Dear Oblates,
Good Friday
Crux Fidelis/Faithful CrossIn the passion narrative, we hear passing allusions about the cross. We read that Jesus carries the cross by himself, that an inscription is written on the cross and that Our Lady was at the foot of the cross. However, over the centuries, Christians have come to venerate and show great devotion towards this instrument of our Lord’s crucifixion. The hymn for Lauds, in particular, has a few lovely phrases on the wonder of the cross.
In the third verse, we read, “faithful cross above all others, one and only noble tree.” Crux Fidelis, faithful cross. The cross of Christ is described as “faithful”. When the apostles deserted Our Lord, the cross remained with him, or rather, he remained with it. The cross did not abandon Christ but was faithful to him even in his death agony. The cross is also described as a “noble tree”, destined for a glorious purpose. I wonder about the history of the tree. Where did it come from? How was it regarded? Who knows, but out of the obscurity of history, God chose for his Son to redeem the word on this piece of wood. Perhaps, it was a very humble looking piece of wood, even ignored and rejected. Perhaps, it was not good enough to be used for building a house or making a chair, so it was used to crucify a slave. Not as man sees does God see.
There is an icon of Our Lady with the child Jesus stretching out his arms out upon her (kardiotissa). This image represents the crucifixion, so where is the cross? The answer: Mary is the cross. She is the faithful cross, who does not abandon Christ when all others do. She held him in her heart as the cross held him in its arms. The fourth line of the Lauds hymn echoes this sentiment. “For a while the normal rigor that your nature gave suspend. And the king of heavenly beauty, as you hold him, gently tend.” The arms of the cross gently embraced and carried the body of our Lord, who for a time carried it.
Like Mary, we are called to be a faithful cross, close to Jesus even in the midst of suffering. We are called to open our arms wide to the crucified Christ and allow that bruised and broken body to lean its weight upon us. Now that is a union with Christ worth pondering this Good Friday.
How can I be a faithful cross for Christ?
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates
-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - April 2, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
April 2, 2026Dear Oblates,
Holy Thursday
Kenosis and CommunionIn the gospel, we read an interesting detail about the foot washing, that is, Jesus, “took off his outer garments.” This little detail can be read spiritually. The Lord was continually stripping himself of himself, so that he could pour himself out into his people. This kenosis, self-emptying of Christ, into humanity was a pattern that is realized in the mandatum and finds its climax in the crucifixion. The stripping of Christ was a means by which he humbled himself in order to draw closer to humanity and to become more intimate with us. His hands touched the feet and the flesh of his disciples. He washes it, cleanses it and purifies it with the touch of his love.
This total self-gift of Christ is something we simply have to receive. It is not always easy as Saint Peter attests because we cannot imagine how humble and loving God is. Once we have received the love of Christ, we have a share in his inheritance, which is the kingdom of heaven, eternal life with the Father as his children.
This kenotic love that Christ gives to his disciples is a model for them, for he says, “I have given you a model to follow” and “love one another as I have loved you”. We, who have received Christ’s humble love, are called to follow that example of that self-emptying love. We, too, are called to strip off our garments, take away our masks, denude ourselves of selfish desires and humble ourselves in the presence of God and the other. We are, as Christ commands us, to wash one another’s feet in loving service. We are called to the kenosis of Christ by which we grow in communion with him and others.
How do I empty myself in order to pour myself into others? How can I do this better?
Abbot Jeremy recommended to the monks a few years ago to read John, chapters 14-17, during a holy hour at the chapel of repose. I think this can be a great spiritual practice as it is the prayer that Christ prayed after the Last Supper.
Our Holy Thursday Mass is at 4pm. You are invited to join us for this most wonderful Mass.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - March 27, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 27, 2026Dear Oblates,
Behold, Your Meek King
On Palm Sunday, we will read the gospel two times, and in both accounts, Jesus is described as a king. The first time, he is described as a meek king, riding on an ass. Here, he was received and celebrated with pomp and display. In the other reading, taken from the passion narrative, we see the results of Christ being a meek king. He is rejected, mocked, tormented and dies. Christ is king like no other king and his kingdom does not belong to this world. We, too, call Christ “king”, and we relate to him as the crowds and the soldiers do in the gospel.
We are like the crowds, who celebrate Christ, the glorious king. We lay down our palm branches before him and shout, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.” We follow the crowds when we humble ourselves before God and others. We lay down our palm branches when we submit our will to that of the other, when we sacrifice our time and comfort in order to spend time in prayer, and when we open our heart to the needs of our neighbor.
At other times, we treat Christ like the soldiers. We crown him with thorns, strip him of his garments and spit upon him. With our mouths, we say, “Hail, king of the Jews.” However, by our actions, we crown him with thorns when we seek selfish pleasures; we strip him of his garments when we fail to help those who are in need; we spit upon him when we gossip and complain. We do this while saying, “Hail, King of the Jews.” Yes, it is a difficult pill to swallow, to know that by our own sins, we mock the eternal Son of God, who is so meek and humble.
When we think about the suffering Christ, the bloody Christ, the humble Christ, we should be moved to deep and sincere repentance for our sins. During this most holy week of the year, may we repent of our sinful ways, renounce the devil and his suggestions, and return to the God, who loves us. With repentance, there is new life. When we return to God, he returns to us.
Click here for our Holy Week schedule.
Our next Oblate Sunday is April 12th with Fr. Anselm giving the third of his four part series on redirecting love – Benedictine discipline and the formation of desire. The third topic focuses on the discipline of forgiveness. For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room.
Prayer request. Please pray for our seminarians who are on break and will be back Easter Monday and for our Hispanic oblates who are on retreat this weekend. Please also pray for the catechumens and candidates, who will be received into the Church during the Easter Vigil. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates
Noe Contreras (brother of Br. Joseph) and Cole Fox, were received into the monastery last week.
Oblate Calendar
2026
April
5 – Easter Sunday
12 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part III.
May
15-17 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Anselm. On the Most Holy Rosary.
June
14 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Anselm. Redirecting Love: Part IV.
18-21 – Oblate Study Days
21 – Oblate Picnic
July
11 – St. Benedict Festival
11 – Solemnity of St. Benedict (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Aug
9 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Food and Drink.
Sept
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Work.
18-20 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Ephrem.
29 – Solemnity of Archangels (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
Oct
11- Oblate Sunday: Fr. Michael. Leisure.
Nov
6-8 – Oblate Retreat. Fr. Michael
8 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part I.
Dec
8 – Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
13 – Oblate Sunday: Fr. Philip. Our Lady of Guadalupe: Part II.-
A Note to Our Dear Oblates - March 20, 2026
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 20, 2026Dear Oblates,
The Passing of Saint Benedict – March 21
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
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 12, 2026Dear Oblates,
The Man Born Blind: Role Reversal
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
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 9, 2026Dear Oblates,
St. Frances of Rome
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
A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 6, 2026Dear Oblates,
The Samaritan Woman at the Well
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.