Before Vigils each morning I put on the coffee, make my bed, and turn on my laptop. I check my email—answer the urgent, delete the spam—and move on to a news site to see what’s going on in the world. This is probably a mistake. By the time my interior Vigils bell has rung, the … More Sihon, Og, et al.
Today is her Feast Day; a special day for women oblates and all. Who knew that God would listen to her prayer, even though her saintly twin brother, Benedict, would not!
I’m off from work this week. Originally I thought I might make it up to the monastery, first time in two years, but I have an online class on Monday night (archdiocesan certification for catechists), my second graders on Saturday, and I didn’t think a mere two full days would address my pressing spiritual needs. … More Retreat
Last week as I was talking about the Call of the First Four Disciples with my second graders, I told them that the thing to note about the story was how quickly and unquestioningly the disciples responded to Jesus’ call. Just as important, I also told them, was to know that all of us are … More Poetic Obedience
St. Anthony is one of those saints recognized by a wide range of honorifics, among them St. Anthony, Abbot, St. Anthony of Egypt, St. Anthony the Anchorite, St. Anthony, Father of Monasticism, and, of course, St. Anthony the Great. Though my favorite remains—and resonates with me particularly on this year’s celebration of his feast—St. Anthony … More Feast: St. Anthony of the Desert
After several years as Oblate Director, Brother Gabriel has handed over the reins to Brother Luke. Before doing so, Brother Gabriel shared a list of Oblate Enrollment for the last few years. He also shared a link to the AIM newsletter, where one can sign up to receive the newsletter, as it is published. Both items are included in … More Oblate Director News
For Oblates who were not able to be at Mount Saviour this weekend, here are some photos by Brother Luke. The icy roads meant only a few people were able to be present for Br. Mark’s and Br. Isaiah’s Solemn Vows. Afterwards there was a simpler celebration than in past times, while at the same time joyful. … More Solemn Vows
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
The Oblates of Mount Saviour Monastery 