The writing & works of

Enzo Selvaggi, Creative Director

The Saint Joseph Chapel

The art at the abbey draws its inspiration from the sacred imagery of the thirteenth century — part of the great iconic tradition which flowered in the western Church during the early centuries of the Norbertine Order. This includes the art of the St. Joseph chapel.

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The Paschal Candle Column

Lent concludes, at last, with the Exsultet--an audacious celebration that is honored in the abbey's Paschal Column.

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The Annunciation Chapel

Creation, the path of the constellations, the beginning of spring, the fall of man, Christ's crucifixion--artistic depictions of the Annunciation have a rich and intricate story to tell!

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Sacred Art and the Paschal Mystery

Art's ability to unite and engage the heart and mind helps us enter in a deeper way into the mysteries of our Faith.

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Manifest Divinity: The Epiphany Chapel

When a church dons images that point to the divinity of Christ, the very walls sermonize Christ’s presence and salvation.

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The Abbey's Processional Cross : Paradise Found

Sacred art doesn’t always speak with words. Mostly, it tells the story of who we are, and our relationship to the Divine in symbols, colors, forms, shapes, and spaces. These stories grant a voice to painted figures, walls, and even shafts of light.

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Stay up-to-date with the Abbey

The Abbot's Circle is a first-of-its-kind virtual monastery—an evolving, curated library that offers an inside look at the artistic, cultural, intellectual, and spiritual work that the Norbertines of St. Michael’s Abbey carry out each day for the praise and honor of God.

Hidden in the stillness of southern California’s desert mountains, St. Michael’s Abbey goes about a timeless and supernatural mission: the common worship of God. This is a place for all to encounter the unfathomable beauty of God and to enter into the mystery of His unrelenting love.

Against a culture in ever desperate need for beauty, St. Michael’s Abbey stands as a refuge for reverent liturgy, inspiring art, and captivating sacred music and chant. Through our work, we are laying the foundation for the sanctification of our society and a renewal in our Church.