From June 15 until June 19, monks of the American-Cassinese Congregation gathered at St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville, Minnesota for the 55th General Chapter of the Congregation. A General Chapter is a meeting of all the monasteries in a particular congregation. Each monastery is represented by the house superior and a delegate elected by the community. Other monks, who serve on standing committees of the congregation, also attend the chapter in a non-voting capacity. The overall theme for this General Chapter was “Shaping Our Future”. Presentations on topics related to this theme were given to the delegates. They also heard a virtual address via Zoom from Abate Primate Jeremias Schroeder, OSB. St. Mary’s Abbey was well represented at the Chapter. In attendance were Abbot Jonathan Licari, OSB, Abbot President, Prior Edward Seton Fittin, OSB, superior, Br. William McMIllan OSB, delegate, and Fr, Michael Tidd, OSB, who serves on the Congregation’s Finance Committee.

From June 8 until June 11, the monastic community took a break from its daily routine to hold its annual retreat.  This year, the monks of St. Mary's Abbey were joined by the community of Newark Abbey. Additionally two monks from St. Paul's Abbey, Newton and a monk from the monastery of Ewu in Nigeria also took part. The retreat master was Br. Colmán Ó Clabaigh OSB of Glenstal Abbey, Co. Limerick, Ireland. So there were monks from five different monasteries in attendance. Br. Colmán. who is an expert in Medeival Irish religious life, drew on his vast knowledge of the field to draw parallels with monastic life today. His conferences were liberally sprinkled with bits of Irish wit. The monks enjoyed the opportunity to reflect, relax and enjoy one another's company.

In union with the whole Church, the monks of St. Mary's Abbey rejoice at the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV! We pray that God will bless him with every gift, so that he may exercise his Petrine ministry and shepherd the people of God.

The Sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated recently in the Abbey Church.

Ashes will be distributed at 3 different times here at the Abbey: Following Matins, ca. 7:00 a.m. At Mass with the Delbarton School Community, 9:30 a.m. Following Vespers, ca. 5:20 p.m. To learn more about Lenten practices, visit the USCCB website by clicking here.

Our senior monk, Fr. James O'Donnell, went home to the Lord on Saturday. For his full obituary and funeral information, please click here.

Volunteers Wanted! Would you like to help maintain the abbey's orchard? The Abbey Pruning Association is looking for new members. As the weather and your schedule permits, we meet on Saturday mornings from 9:30-11:30 from mid-January to mid-March. No experience necessary, we will provide training - along with fresh air, exercise and good company. If you are interested or have questions, please email Br. Paul: paul@delbarton.org

On the sunny afternoon of November 11,2024, the Delbarton School Alumni Association sponsored a ceremony in the abbey cemetery to honor the deceased monks who had served in the military. Assisted by monks of the abbey and students and faculty from Delbarton, ten monks were honored. Click here for full article

Fr. Gabriel Coless, O.S.B. went home to Lord on Monday morning, February 12. To read his obituary and find the times for his obsequies, please click here.

In Chapter 46 of his Rule, St. Benedict instructs his monks on the observance of Lent. To read Chapter 46, click here.

On Sunday, November 19, the Oblates of St. Benedict of St. Mary's Abbey renewed their oblation during the Sunday Eucharist. Abbot Jonathan invited the oblates to stand and publicly recite the renewal formula. Oblates are lay men and women who associate themselves to a particular Benedictine monastery. They seek to live their lives according to the spirituality of the Rule of St. Benedict. The oblates then met after Mass for their monthly meeting. If you are interested in learning more about the oblates, please visit the oblates webpage.