I was steered toward this poem by a Benedictine friend in England. It is singularly beautiful on its own, but certainly has a special resonance for monastics. Enjoy. Brother Frank Walks the Abbey Woods by Brian Volck
To the Brother Monks and Oblate Community of Mount Saviour Monastery As we begin this New Year 2022 let us seek to live in HOPE He who hopes in God trusts God… Hope is the wedding of two freedoms, human and divine, in the acceptance of a love that is at once a promise and the beginning of fulfillment.* Hope seeks not only … More 2022 Greeting
New Year’s resolutions go back at least to the Romans, who began each year making promises to Janus, the god of transitions, for whom January is named. In these more secular times, the gods displaced, oracles such as the New York Times advise devotees to make resolutions that are “specific” and “measurable”: exactly how many … More Prologue to a New Year
I’m the catechist for the second graders in the Religious Ed. program at my parish, and among my charges this year is a boy named Michael. As with any teacher these days, I’m always on the lookout for—or am informed beforehand of—any students who may have special needs. In this case, the director of the … More Michael at the Manger
A Christmas greeting to our Oblate Community of the Mount Saviour Benedictine Monastery From Oblate Stuart~John ~~~ ‘Little quatrain for Christmas’, by John of the Cross, which in a few lines he captures simple devotion, … More Christmas Greetings
A recent visitor to Mount Saviour sent a letter regarding the spiritual benefits from his retreat, most especially the journey as an oblate novice. He added a copy of what he has shared with others, regarding Benedictine Spirituality. A portion of it follows…. “What can Benedict teach us in 2022? As it is the New Year, … More What can Benedict Teach us in 2022?
This is the sermon l gave at a Mass for 250 fire fighters on September 11 OoooooooooooooooooooooooooooO A lot has happened in the 20 years that have passed when so many people were murdered in A violent act of hate.Boys became menGirls became womenAnd love brought them together to become husband-and-wifeAnd then in love they … More The September 11 Sermon by Fr. Michael Perry
By now most of you will have surmised that the annual Oblate Retreat in October will have to be cancelled once more. While the Monastery is slowly opening and some guests have already been welcomed, the logistics and safety for our group have yet to be worked out. Meals and gathering for twenty or more … More 2021 Oblate Retreat Cancelled
by Fr. Michael Perry Two topics, one reflection Picture this: The other 10 apostles are gathered together today because there is strength in numbers and the one thing they are strong in is their fear. Only 10 are gathered today because Thomas didn’t arrive yet and Judas is dead The 10 are relieved to see … More Divine Mercy and Doubting Thomas
by Fr. Michael Perry If you’ve made the stations of the cross lately you got to contemplate what Jesus endured to save us from our sins . But what does that really mean “ to be saved” or even better, what really is “sin”? By my definition, sin is any action or attitude freely chosen … More A thought for Passiontide
The Oblates of Mount Saviour Monastery 