Abbey Life

Hidden in the mountains of southern California, St. Michael’s Abbey seeks to live an authentic Christian life – life at its happiest and best, where we recognize that all creation is a gift, and that all our lives can be given as a gift back to our Creator. In our work, in our study, and in our prayer, St. Michael’s Abbey lives the ancient and vital tradition of abbey life.

The Journey to California

Far from the Oxford of John Henry Newman and J.R.R. Tolkein, or any of Chadwick’s numerous disciples, we get a sense of the divine imagination at work in the American West.

Filter Results

Selected Works from Our Community

Here at St. Michael’s Abbey, the beautiful literary tradition of monasteries continues in the scholarly work of many of our confreres.

Article

Abbey Life Update (December, 2023)

As the year draws to a close, we reflect fondly on some of the particular joys of the last couple of months.

Article

A Christmas Message from the Abbot

All of which is truly beautiful in our life is a gift. In this spirit, Fr. Abbot reflects on the gifts of the past year.

Video

The Newly Vested (2023)

Just before None on Christmas Eve, Fr. Abbot vested five new novices in the white habit and gave them their new name and religious patron.

Article

Who was Henry Chadwick?

Few are aware that a world-class research collection assembled by an ‘aristocrat among British scholars’ now sits at St. Michael’s Abbey.

Article

Henry Chadwick’s Library

The Chadwick Collection represents 60 years of work by a brilliant theologian--and a serious bibliophile!

Article

The Journey to California

Far from the Oxford of John Henry Newman and J.R.R. Tolkein, or any of Chadwick’s numerous disciples, we get a sense of the divine imagination at work in the American West.

Article

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 2023

Join us for Vespers on Tuesday evening, December 12 -- part of our day-long celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Video

The Face of Christ in Me

The newly ordained priests reflect on their experience of this momentous day.

Video

Reflection on "My Name is Philomena: A Saint’s Story"

Ten years ago, I asked my novice master, Fr. Ambrose, for permission to begin writing and illustrating a book on the life of St. Philomena. The permission was granted, the project was blessed, and I began pulling together all the materials needed to complete this book.

Article

Joy and Prayer and Grace

Fr. Louis, the chaplain for the Abbey's Summer Camp, reflects on the joy of guiding young souls to Christ--and finding Christ in children!

Article

International Meeting of the Formation Superiors of the Order

Every six years the Norbertine Order organizes an international meeting of the novice masters and formation superiors for those who are able to participate from canonries all around the world.

Article

The Relics of Monte Sant'Angelo

St. Michael's Abbey is home to several stones from a grotto on Mount Gargano where St. Michael once appeared.

Article