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.

Living Our Norbertine Charism in the Parish Setting

Fr. Ambrose Criste sits down with Fr. Claude Williams to explore how living the Norbertine charism—rooted in Eucharistic devotion and communal life—translates into vibrant parish ministry.‍

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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.

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Henry Chadwick’s Library

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

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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.

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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.

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The Face of Christ in Me

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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Livestream: Michaelmas, 2023

Livestream Michaelmas Vespers

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What's New at the Abbey?

In the shadow of the recent Michaelmas celebration, Fathers Frederick, Ambrose, and Peter Adrian take a moment to reflect on the festivities, a growing community, what they have been witnessing in their day-to-day tasks, and the exciting happenings at the abbey.

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About the Archangel Institute

By instilling in our young men the faith, catechesis, masculine virtues, sonship, and brotherhood, the Archangel Institute shines in a world plagued by anti-masculine ideology.

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Thanksgiving Message, 2023

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The Story of Michaelmas

The Feast of Saint Michael is a solemnity with a history as valiant and colorful as its angelic namesake!

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