Recent News
Below you will find news stories from the current year. Please click on the story to read the full story and access any photos or media.
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Musica Spira in Abbey Church
On the afternoon of Saturday, October 31, the group called Musica Spira (“music breathes”) presented a concert in the abbey church. They were founded by co-directors Grace Srinivasan and Paula Maust in order to bring to life the underrepresented stories of early modern musicians, especially works by women. In the words of The Wilson Center, they wish to “draw musical traditions of the past and present them into renewed conversations about the importance of life… Read More
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New book on Benedictine Spirituality
We just received a copy of a new book by David Robinson, a man who has been in pastoral ministry for about forty years. It may be of special interest to our Oblates and anyone else interested in Benedictine spirituality. It is titled Life Together in a World Apart: Forty Days with the Rule of St. Benedict. It is published by Whitaker House, with a list price of $19.99. Read More
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Sr. Mary Bader Honored
On the evening of Friday, October 16, Abbot James attended the annual benefit for the St. Luke Institute, held at the Columbia Country Club on Connective Avenue. The honoree was Sister Mary Bader, who for many years had been leading the St. Ann’s Center in Avondale, Maryland, just a short walk from the abbey. More recently she has been residing in St. Louis, Missouri and serving as one of the Councilors for her province. Her… Read More
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Abbot James’ seniors visit Buddhist Vihara
On Wednesday, October 7, Abbot James and the 18 seniors is his class visited a Buddhist vihara (“monastery”) in Silver Spring, part of his course on various religions in dialogue with each other. The leader of that vihara, Ven. Uparatana, gave them a talk for about 40 minutes on his tradition of Buddhism and then answered lots of questions from the students. The monks living there are all from Sri Lanka. The class was there… Read More
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2026 Thomas Verner Moore Lecture
‘A Social Contract for the Digital World’ Text of Cardinal McElroy’s Sept. 26 talk at St. Anselm’s Abbey School (The following is the text of the Thomas Verner Moore Lecture for 2026 given by Cardinal Robert W. McElroy, the archbishop of Washington, on Sept. 26 at St. Anselm’s Abbey School in Washington, D.C.) At the end of the conclave that elected Pope Leo, in keeping with tradition, all of the cardinal-electors greeted the new Pope… Read More
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Pilgrimage of Hope: Rosary, Mass, and Reflection
On Saturday, August 9 2025 at 10am, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will be hosting a Pilgrimage of Hope to Experience God’s Love and Healing for those struggling with mental health issues. There will be a rosary, mass and reflections by Rev. Quinn Conners, O.Carm., Ph.D. Please click on this flyer to read more about the event. Read More
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RIP: Fr. Michael Hall
It is with a mixture of human sadness and Christian hope that we are writing to inform you of the death of Fr. Michael Hall, who died yesterday morning after a long illness. He had been a monk at St. Anselm’s for sixty-seven years, was a graduate of our own school with the class of 1956, and subsequently served both the abbey and school in many ways. We will receive his body into our church… Read More
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Abbey Phone Work — Completed
The Abbey phones are back to their normal operation. You can once again reach the Abbey by calling 202-269-2300. Read More
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Enrollment of Two Oblate Novices
At our March oblate meeting, Father Ignacio conducted an Enrollment ceremony for our two new Novices, Jennifer Chalmers and Teresa Martinez. We welcome them to our community as they begin their year of Formation, and we look forward to their Oblation ceremony in the future. Two other candidates were unable to attend this ceremony but will be enrolled at the next Oblate meeting on April 7. Read More
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Clothing of Br. Maximilian
On February 29, 2024, John Castonguay was clothed as a novice of our community. He will spend the next year learning to be a monk while the community sees if he “truly seeks God and whether he shows eagerness for the Work of God, for obedience and for trials” (RB 58:7). He will be known in religious life as Br Maximilian after St Maximilian Kolbe. Please pray for him. Read More