Notes to Oblates of Mount Angel Abbey

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
March 6, 2026

Dear Oblates,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Br. Lazarus after simple profession.

Seminary basketball team

Discerners

Oblate Calendar

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
February 27, 2026

Dear Oblates,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
February 18, 2026

Dear Oblates,

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

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

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

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

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
February 13, 2026

Dear Oblates,

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

New Oblates

New Novices

Oblate Calendar

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
February 6, 2026

Dear Oblates,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Tet Festival, seminarian Truan Nguyen

Bona Opera Letter 2026

Bona Opera Card 2026

Oblate Calendar

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 30, 2026

Dear Oblates,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 23, 2026

Dear Oblates,

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 16, 2026

Dear Oblates,

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

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

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
January 9, 2026

Dear Oblates,

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

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

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

Our next Oblate Sunday is January 11th with Br. Thomas giving the last of his four talks on the psalms. For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

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

Br. Isaiah doing calligraphy at the SEEK conference.

Bishop Peter preaching the seminarian retreat.

Oblate Calendar

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
New Year’s Letter

Dear Oblates,

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

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

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

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

Our next Oblate Sunday is January 11th with Br. Thomas giving the last of his four talks on the psalms. For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Christmas party and a Christmas song.

Abbot Jeremy receiving his Christmas gift.

Oblate Calendar

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
Christmas Letter

Dear Oblates,

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

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

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

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

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

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

Hispanic oblate posada.

Decorating for Christmas.

Gingerbread monk.

Oblate Calendar

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
December 19, 2025

Dear Oblates,

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

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

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

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

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Advent Parish Mission in Honolulu

With Alumni

Oblate Calendar

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
December 12, 2025

Dear Oblates,

Br. Thomas has shared the following reflection.

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

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

Our next Oblate Sunday is December 14th with Br. Thomas giving the third of his four talks on the psalms. For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

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

Oblate Calendar

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

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
December 5, 2025

Dear Oblates,

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

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

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

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

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

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

Oblate Calendar

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

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
November 28, 2025

Dear Oblates,

I hope you all had a blessed and lovely Thanksgiving day. “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endures forever.”

Some of this week’s note is taken from the Vatican’s Homiletic Directory (78-82). The document basically tells us what the priest should be preaching about in the Sunday homily. The first Sunday of Advent focuses our attention not on Christ’s first coming as a gentle, vulnerable little baby, but as a righteous judge who will come to judge the living and the dead. In doing so the liturgy draws our thoughts to the powerful role this newborn child will play at the end times, and because of this, the readings on the first Sunday of Advent call us to be vigilant and stay alert. We do not know when the Lord will come again. This is perhaps quite fitting as we have just finished the Thanksgiving holiday, where we have eaten ourselves into a food-induced coma and are struggling to overcome physical as well as spiritual drowsiness. Also, we are often prompted to think about Christmas shopping, Christmas decorating and Christmas parties. All of these are reasonable and necessary, but the attention we give to these worldly activities can easily distract us from the vigilance that marks the season of Advent. The Son of Man is coming; the heavens will be shaken; a great spiritual awakening is poised to commence. Let us not be found wanting; let us not be found spiritually asleep.

What can we do to help make Advent more like Advent? For the Benedictine, the answer is quite simple, follow the liturgy by attending Mass, praying the Hours and doing lectio divina.

– For those of you who are too busy to pray all of Lauds or Vespers, try singing the beautiful Advent hymns the monks pray for these hours.
– Also, praying Vigils is particularly appropriate during this Advent season, for we are in a season of vigilance.
– For your lectio, you can download an Advent lectio calendar and write a word or each phrase each day that strikes you.
– Another practice can be that of allowing the physical darkness of the season to settle upon your life a bit more fully. When you pray at night, light a candle or two instead of blasting on all the lights.
– You can also go outside–if it is not raining–look at the stars and sing the great Advent Hymn, “Creator of the stars of night.”
– Listen to wonderful Advent Hymns such as those by the Benedictines of Mary.
– If you are looking for suggestions for Advent reading, here are two: John Henry Newman’s Waiting for Christ or Thomas a Kempis’ Imitation of Mary.

Our next Oblate Sunday is December 14th with Br. Thomas giving the third of his four talks on the psalms. For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Music of Baroque Concert

Music of Baroque Concert

Oblate Calendar

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

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
November 21, 2025

Dear Oblates,

This Sunday the Church celebrates the solemnity of Christ the King, the last Sunday of the liturgical year. By doing this, the Church focuses our attention to the end times when all things will be restored in Christ, the true king.

How can our understanding of an earthly king broaden appreciation of the kingship of Christ? I would like to suggest three connections of deepening this understanding. The first is in regard to leadership. An earthly king, at least in times past and in the Old Testament times, led his people in battle. He rallied the troops and fought side by side with them. Similarly, Christ the king leads us into battle, not against an earthly enemy but against the devil and his minions. He has given us the example by going before us and even sacrificing his own life that we might be spared of the eternal death caused by sin. He engages in this battle not with cannons and rifles but with the strong and noble weapons of obedience (Holy Rule, Prologue). Through this obedience, he has conquered the ancient serpent.

Another attribute of a king is that of a protector. How does Christ protect us? Firstly, he does not protect us from pain and suffering, but he does protect us from a life of selfishness, restlessness and unhappiness. Through the grace that Christ has won for us we can live no longer for ourselves but for him who died and rose again for us. He provides us with his grace through the Sacraments and his word. Through this grace, we can look to the needs of others and not simply to our own interests. Because of Christ, we have meaning and direction in our lives, and we can find stability and security in his unconditional love for us. Also, we can be filled with the joy he came to bring and that the world cannot take away. This is what Christ provides for those who pledge allegiance to him.

The final attribute of Christ as related to a king is that of establishing unity. Those under a king belong to a kingdom and are united by laws and decrees. They are united in their vision and goals and hopes. Christ as king has given us laws, which ultimately calls us to the love of God and neighbor. We are united to one another in mind and heart through the sharing of common values. However, Christ brings this unity to a much deeper level by inviting us to share in the sacred banquet of his Body and Blood, so that we, who are many, are one body in Him. Through the Eucharist, Christ brings about a unity that is as deep as the members of our body to one another.

Whether the notion of kingship is popular or not, what is truly important is to know and make manifest Christ’s kingship in our lives.

How is Christ the king of your life?

The season of Advent is only a week away. If you are looking for suggestions for Advent reading, here are two: John Henry Newman’s Waiting for Christ or Thomas a Kempis’ Imitation of Mary.

I am happy to announce that you can now respond to these Notes to Oblates by simply hitting reply, and your email will be sent to my Oblate Director account. Additionally, I am trying to keep my oblate emails in a separate account, so please email me with oblate-related information at oblatedirector@mtangel.edu.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Pictures from the Seminary Benefit Dinner held last weekend.

Fall bird sightings on the Hilltop.

Oblate Calendar

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

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
November 14, 2025

Dear Oblates,

During the past month, we have been reading Cosima Gillhammer’s Light on Darkness, which relates of the powerful influence of the liturgy on the Christian life and culture. As I reflected upon this book, I saw that there were many points of connection between the liturgy and the seven rich ways. Indeed, two of the rich ways, namely the rich way of prayer and the rich way of centering on the Eucharist are a part of the liturgy. Since Benedictine spirituality is essentially liturgical spirituality, I would like to connect the other five rich ways to the liturgy, albeit a bit of a stretch in two instances.

The rich way of deep reading can be seen to relate to the liturgy in that the pondering the word of God can more powerfully dispose our minds and hearts to celebrate the liturgy more fully. For those who are inquiring about Benedictine spirituality or those who are novices, I generally recommend doing lectio divina for half an hour a week on the Sunday readings.

The rich way of life together finds its connection with the liturgy through the communion we have by receiving Holy Communion. As Saint Paul says, “we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf” (1 Corinthians 10:17). Yes, our ties of family and friendship find their deepest union and love through participating in this spiritual practice. Thus, Fr. Peyton was able to say, “the family that prays together stays together.” We can slightly modify this and say, “the community that prays the liturgy together, stays together.”

The next rich way, that of hospitality, does not find a clear connection with the liturgy, but I would like to think about the fact that we call the Eucharist the Sacred Host. At the Mass, we are guests in the house of Christ, and he is a most gracious Host who welcomes us and feeds us a heavenly banquet by giving us the gift of himself. Through the gracious hospitality of Christ, we are able to welcome others as he welcomes us at every Eucharist.

This next rich way is connected with the liturgy only tangentially, and it is the rich way of caring for the land and environment. We do not directly care for creation during the liturgy, but the liturgy is so intimately connected with the cosmos, and it implicitly teaches us to respect and honor our planet. When the priest offers the bread and wine, he thanks God for His goodness by giving us these gifts, which are the fruit of the earth and work of human hands. In addition, the two major cycles of the year are intimately connected with the changing of the seasons. The Advent-Christmas cycle focuses on the seasonal transition from darkness to light, and Lent-Easter cycle brings a spiritual dimension to the death and new life witnessed through the transition into spring.

Lastly, the liturgy has for centuries been the source and inspiration for some of the greatest pieces of art. Flowing from or inspired by the liturgy, the church is endowed with the musical pieces such as Allegri’s Miserere or Samuel Barber’s Agnus Dei; artwork such as Michaelangeo’s Pieta or the Grunewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece; architecture styles such as Baroque and Gothic. These timeless works of art have for centuries inspired the faithful to a deeper love for Christ.

How does the liturgy shape your own life?

The Diocese of Orange, one of our sending dioceses, recently put out  a wonderful new vocations video. The video was produced at the Abbey, and you can watch it here.

The Pope said Mass at Sant’ Anselmo, the Benedictine College in Rome. Abbot Jeremy said that this has not happened in decades.

I am happy to announce that you can now respond to these Notes to Oblates by simply hitting reply, and your email will be sent to my Oblate Director account. Additionally, I am trying to keep my oblate emails in a separate account, so please email me with oblate-related information at oblatedirector@mtangel.edu.

Prayer Request. Please pray for for Br. Ignatius’ mom and Fr. Teresio’s dad, who are both critically ill. Please also pray for the success of Br. Thomas’ organ recital this Saturday. Please know that you can always send your prayer requests through our Oremus program.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Paul, OSB
Director of Oblates

Pope Leo, Mass at Sant’Anselmo

New Oblates, Stephanie “Monica”, Agnes “Catherine”, Steven “Maurice”

New Novices

Sunset on the Hilltop

Oblate Calendar

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

2026

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

A Note to Our Dear Oblates
November 7, 2025

Dear Oblates,

In chapter 57 of the Holy Rule, Saint Benedict writes about the artisans of the monastery. This love for the arts has continued in Benedictine monasteries throughout the centuries. Indeed, the beauty with which the monks are engaged reflect the Lord, who is the source of all beauty. Here at the Abbey, we have our own artisans, who practice the arts of calligraphy, iconography and painting. There are also the artistic hobbies such as making candles and writing poetry. In terms of the musical arts, Benedictine monks have for centuries promoted the beautiful music of Gregorian chant and several of our monks play the organ. Also, the Abbey is privileged to have three architectural gems in the Aalto library, Guesthouse and Annunciation. It is through these ways of engaging with the material world that we manifest the beauty of God. This is possible because God has taken on matter through the mystery of the Lord’s incarnation. The world has become a vehicle of glorifying its Creator and creating a Christian culture.

While we do have monks who are quite artistic, there are many of us who seem to have very little artistic talent. This in no way prevents us from promoting art and culture because we can still do this by the way we live. Perhaps, it is done by the art we choose to hang in our room or the music we choose to listen to and share. There is a formative quality of the art that surrounds us. Winston Churchill says, “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” I think this can be extended to all the works of art and not just buildings.

Some of the ways in which the Abbey promotes art and culture are through the calligraphy exhibit, which is going on right now in the library, and having an organ concert next Saturday. Next March, the Mount Angel Chamber Choir will have its annual performance.

What role does the arts play in your life? How are you shaped by your surroundings?

The abbey is privileged to have the replica of the Shroud of Turin being displayed in the Abbey Guesthouse this weekend. You are welcome to come here and pray with it. Check out this website and video for more information on the Shroud.

I am trying to consolidate my oblate emails into a separate account and have been working to resolve the issues with replying to the Note to Oblates. Please email Kaitlyn at oblateassistant@mtangel.edu if you are still experiencing difficulties.

Our next Oblate Sunday is November 9th with Br. Thomas giving the second of his four talks on the psalms. For in-person, click here; for remote option, click here. The Oblate Sunday begins with Mass at the Abbey at 9am. It is followed by a potluck brunch after Mass in the guesthouse dining room. The conference starts at 11am in the Westminster Room.

Fr. John Paul, OSB

Director of Oblates

Oblate Calendar

2025
November
7-9 – Oblate Retreat: Abbot Peter
9 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part II.
December
8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (plenary indulgence may be obtained by oblates)
14 – Oblate Sunday: Br. Thomas. The Psalms, Part III

2026

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