Christmas is an occasion for joy. It is a reminder that God remains faithful to His promises, and that His love for us is without measure.

Our postulants are given the white habit each Christmas. This past Sunday, eleven young men accepted this habit, “white, like those worn by the angels who announced the Resurrection,” as a sign of their total commitment to accepting God’s will in their lives.

The size of this class represents something much greater: we are bearing joyful witness to the fruit of so much prayer and so much sacrifice. For so long, our society, our culture, and our Church have been in dire need of renewal—a renewal that cannot happen without holy priests. For so many years, holy and generous men and women have supported and prayed for this renewal.

And God is ever faithful: by His grace, this renewal is happening, here, at St. Michael’s Abbey. Time and time again, monasteries have served as the foundations of civilization. Indeed, as Chesterton liked to say, “Whenever monks come back, marriages will come back.” Here, by God’s grace and by your support and prayers, we are laying this very foundation.

As we look ahead to next year, we recognize that there is much work to be done. But we remain hopeful and joyful as ever against this daunting task, for we know God is with us.

New Novices

Frater Abraham‍

After holy Abraham the Patriarch, our father in faith, who in obedience did not refuse to offer in sacrifice his only son Isaac. His feast is October 9th.

Frater Aloysius

After St. Aloysius Gonzaga, religious of the Society of Jesus who met death while still a young man. Acclaimed for his innocence of life, his feast is June 21st.

Frater Austin‍

After our holy father and Rule giver, St. Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church. frater’s nameday will be observed on April 24th, the feast of our holy father’s conversion.

Frater Enoch‍

After holy Enoch, a patriarch before the flood who walked with God. He is commemorated December 24th, together with all the holy ancestors of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Frater Francisco‍

After St. Francisco Marto of Fatima, who shone forth for his gentleness, perseverance, and the constancy of his prayer. His feast is April 4th.

Frater George‍

After St. George of Lydda, martyr and patron of England, whose glorious battle has long been celebrated in all the Churches of the East and West. His feast is on April 23rd.

Frater Junipero‍

After St. Junipero Serra, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, who preached the Gospel of Christ among the native American peoples of California. His feast is July 1st.

Frater Lawrence‍

After St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr, who conquered the flames for Christ, and in honor of his victory, even the instruments of his torture passed into heaven. His feast is August 10th.

Frater Leo‍

After St. Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church, renowned for his preaching and for halting the advance of Attila on Rome. His feast is November 10th.

Frater Samuel‍

After holy Samuel the Prophet, called by God as a boy and who conferred the royal anointing upon David, from whose lineage the Christ was born. His feast is August 20th.

Frater Xavier‍

After St. Francis Xavier, priest of the Society of Jesus and Apostle of the Indies, who, moved by his zeal to spread the gospel, converted many to the Faith. His feast is December 3rd.