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On Monday, August 24, 2026, the monastic and Seminary communities gathered in the Abbey church for the annual to begin the 2026-2027 academic year at �ֲ���ý Seminary.

This year’s Mass of the Holy Spirit coincided with the feast of St. Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles. In his homily, Abbot Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, noted St. Bartholomew’s presence at the Lord’s Ascension and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, a fitting connection for a community gathered to pray “for the descent of the Holy Spirit on the whole Hilltop community and on the efforts of our Seminary.” Reflecting on John’s Gospel where Jesus promises Nathanael, i.e., Bartholomew, that he will see “the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:51), Abbot Jeremy said that “our school year will be rooted in coming to know Jesus more and more, with the angels of God ascending and descending on him.”

After the Mass, the monastic and Seminary communities gathered in the Abbey church again for the Archbishop Dwyer Inaugural Address. Fr. Jeff Eirvin, President-Rector, welcomed everyone and led the invocation, praying that “as we begin this 138^th year as a school of the Lord’s service, we ask you [Father] to guide us with your light, showing us joy, wisdom and beauty in all your creation.”

Deacon Shawn Keough, PhD, the Seminary’s academic dean, introduced this year’s speaker, Dr. Anna Lesiuk-Cummings, the Chair of Humanities and Languages in the Seminary’s College of Liberal Arts. Originally from Poland, Dr. Lesiuk-Cummings first studied at the University of Warsaw and earned her master’s degree in Italian philology, summa cum laude. She then studied at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, earning an advanced master’s degree in medieval and Renaissance studies. At the University of Oregon, she earned her PhD in Romance languages and wrote her dissertation on Renaissance travel literature in French, Spanish and Italian. A faculty member at �ֲ���ý Seminary since 2011, Dr. Lesiuk-Cummings has taught the Seminary’s entire Spanish, Latin and Humanities curriculum.

In her Inaugural Address, titled “A Poet and a Mountain; or, Why the Humanities Matter,” Dr. Lesiuk-Cummings told the story of the Italian poet Petrarch, traditionally considered the father of Renaissance humanism, and his climb of Mont Ventoux in Provence, France, on April 26, 1336. In his letter describing the climb, Petrarch said that he climbed the mountain simply for pleasure and to enjoy the view from the summit, perhaps one of the first documented cases of mountain climbing for pleasure since antiquity.

Petrarch’s initial failed attempts to climb Mont Ventoux by seeking an easier path rather than the harder, vertical ascent caused him to reflect on the ascent involved in the spiritual life: “The life we call blessed is located on a high peak. A narrow way, they say, leads up to it. Many hilltops intervene, and we must proceed from virtue to virtue with exalted steps.” After recounting Petrarch’s ascent in detail, Dr. Lesiuk-Cummings paused and asked: “Why am I telling you this story of a 14^th-century poet, an aspiring mountaineer? The simplest answer is for the same reason Petrarch climbed Mont Ventoux: because it is there . . . It is an invitation to share a moment of existential reflection with a fellow traveler who, though distant in time, is not that different from us. It is an invitation to be human together.”

In the second part of her address, Dr. Lesiuk-Cummings approached the question of humanism from a historical and philological perspective. In Renaissance humanism, she said that “the study of the humanities was not viewed as something you do, a set of tasks or hoops to jump through or credits to earn in order to graduate, for that matter, but rather as something that is done to you, that acts on the very fabric of your identity as a human being.” In a word of encouragement to the Seminary students, especially those who will study the humanities this year, Dr. Lesiuk-Cummings said that “there is so much more to human experience when, through the study of the humanities, one acquires the ability and the habit of not merely looking but seeing and understanding.”

Watch the of the Mass of the Holy Spirit and Inaugural Address and view photos on .

�ֲ���ý Seminary, an apostolate of the Benedictine monks of �ֲ���ý, is a school whose primary purpose is the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation of men for the Roman Catholic priesthood. The Seminary is comprised of a College of Liberal Arts and a Graduate School of Theology, which also offers theological education to qualified laymen and women. The Seminary’s programs adhere to the norms established by the Holy See and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as stated in the Program of Priestly Formation.

—Ethan Alano

Contact:
Dr. Amanda Staggenborg
amanda.staggenborg@mtangel.edu

SAINT BENEDICT, Ore. — �ֲ���ý today announced it is hosting Vatican officials from the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments along with international theological and liturgical experts for a gathering focused on liturgical formation in the Catholic Church. The conference is taking place Aug. 14–19 at the Abbey’s Saint Benedict Guesthouse and Retreat Center.

His Eminence Cardinal Arthur Roche, prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, welcomed the offer of Abbot Jeremy to host the meeting at �ֲ���ý. �ֲ���ý’s abbot, Abbot Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, is a member of the Vatican Dicastery. Abbot Jeremy previously served as a consultor to the Dicastery beginning in 2005, having been first appointed by Pope Saint John Paul II. In this role, he contributes to the Dicastery’s work on matters of liturgical formation and worship.  �ֲ���ý, remaining faithful to the Benedictine charism, has placed the liturgy at the heart of its life and of its formative work at the seminary.  The opportunity to host this event serves as confirmation for the Abbey of the importance and fruitfulness of this approach.

Cardinal Roche will himself preside at the meeting together with His Excellency Archbishop Vittorio Francesco Viola, OFM, secretary of the Dicastery. They will be joined by cardinals, bishops and lay scholars from around the world to consider the question, “What is needed for better liturgical formation?” The discussions will aim to share with the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, what emerges from the meeting.

“The choice of a monastic community signifies the intention to engage in dialogue within a prayerful setting, allowing oneself to be ‘formed by the liturgy’ (cf. Desiderio desideravi 55–60). Rather than a scholarly conference, it will be a time of spiritual discernment on the theme of liturgical formation, to continue along the path charted by Sacrosanctum Concilium,” said Cardinal Roche.

and those gathered at �ֲ���ý setting out some specific areas to be explored for further consideration, and he wished the participants fruitful work, imparting his Apostolic Blessing “to you [Cardinal Roche] and all present at this gathering as a pledge of wisdom and peace in the Lord.”

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

ROCHE, Cardinal ARTHUR
Prefect of the Dicastery of Divine Worship & Discipline of the Sacraments, Rome

VIOLA OFM, Archbishop VITTORIO FRANCESCO
Secretary of the Dicastery of Divine Worship & Discipline of the Sacraments, Rome

DRISCOLL OSB, Abbot JEREMY
Abbot of �ֲ���ý, Oregon, USA

LACROIX, Cardinal GÉRALD CYPRIEN
Archbishop of Québec, Canada

RYŚ, Cardinal GREGORZ
Archbishop of Krakow, Poland

HENNING, Archbishop RICHARD
Archbishop of Boston, USA

O’TOOLE, Archbishop MARK
Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia, Wales, United Kingdom

PALMA, Bishop ALEXANDER
Auxiliary bishop of the Patriarchate of Lisbon.

WOOST, Bishop MICHAEL GERARD
Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland, USA
Chairman of the USCCB “Committee on Divine Worship”

KEMLIN, Abbot GEOFFROY
Abbot of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Solesmes, France

DI DONNA, Rev. Professor GIANANDREA
Professor of Liturgy
Pontificio Istituto Orientale, Rome; Facoltà Teologica del Triveneto; ISSR di Padova, Italy

FERNANDO, Reverend QUINTUS
Rector of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka, Kandy, Sri Lanka

HEALY, Doctor MARY
Professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, USA

McLAUGHLIN, Monsignor EAMONN
Adjunct Under-Secretary of the Dicastery for Clergy (Office of Formation), Rome

MURONI, Monsignor PIETRO ANGELO
Dean of the Faculty of Theology of the Pontificia Università Urbaniana, Rome, Italy

ORSUTO, Professor Donna Lynn
Director of the Department of Moral Theology and Spiritual Theology of Mission,
Collegium Maximum della Pontificia Università Gregoriana, Rome, Italy

PETRIN, Doctor ANNA
Associate Professor of Liturgical and Sacramental Theology – �ֲ���ý Seminary, Oregon, USA

THIRON, Doctor RITA
Executive Director at Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, Washington DC., USA

Contact:
Dr. Amanda Staggenborg
amanda.staggenborg@mtangel.edu

(SAINT BENEDICT, Ore.)- The �ֲ���ý Institute at �ֲ���ý (MAI) hosted a week-long Fellowship of Scholars focused on the theme of “Liturgy and the Senses.” Participants from leading global institutions, including Yale University, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Regensburg, and others presented and responded to the latest research and expanded their relationships with colleagues in the field of liturgical studies.

Dr. Anna Petrin, associate professor of liturgical and sacramental theology at �ֲ���ý Seminary, who also organized the conference, stated, “This was a wonderful chance to bring together scholars from around the world so that we could work together to deepen our understanding of people’s experience of worship and the sacraments. It was a fruitful week that produced new ideas, promising avenues of research, and exciting opportunities for future collaboration.” The chosen theme for the fellowship was inspired by the recent “turn to the study of the senses” that focuses on the use of sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing in the worship of our own time and throughout liturgical history. The question of embodied experience in worship requires an interdisciplinary approach in which scholars work together to examine the worshiper’s liturgical encounter with Christ.

The �ֲ���ý Institute (MAI) shares the rich ways of �ֲ���ý’s monastic life with Church and world. These are rich ways of prayer, life together, deep reading, life centered on the Eucharist, hospitality, promoting arts and culture, and caring for the land and environment. The �ֲ���ý Institute (MAI) sponsors programs and events throughout the year.

Conference Participants

• Dr. Harald Buchinger – University of Regensburg (Regensburg, Germany)
• Dr. Teresa Berger – Yale University (New Haven, CT)
• Dr. Kimberly Belcher – University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN)
• Dr. Léon van Ommen – University of Aberdeen (Aberdeen, Scotland)
• Dr. Sarah Kathleen Johnson – University of St. Paul (Ottawa, Canada)
• Dr. J.J. Wright – University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN)
• Dr. Nelson Cowan – Samford University (Homewood, AL)
• Dr. Benjamin Durheim – St. John’s University School of Theology & Seminary (Collegeville, MN)
• Dr. Audrey Seah – College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA)
• Dr. Tom McLean – St. Patrick’s Pontifical University (Maynooth, Ireland)
• Dr. Carmel Pilcher, RSJ (Sydney, Australia)
• Rev. Matthew Cortese, SJ – University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN)
• Rev. Erik Sorensen, SJ – University of St. Paul (Ottawa, Canada)
• Rev. Joachim Ozonze – University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN)
• Theresa Rice – University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN)
• Dr. Anna Petrin – �ֲ���ý Seminary

About �ֲ���ý and Seminary

�ֲ���ý, a Benedictine monastic community founded in 1882, is dedicated to a life of prayer, work, pastoral ministry, hospitality and education. �ֲ���ý Seminary, an apostolate of �ֲ���ý and the largest seminary in the West, forms men for the Roman Catholic priesthood. The Abbey Foundation of Oregon supports the monastic community’s mission of service to the Church.

Contact:
Dr. Amanda Staggenborg
amanda.staggenborg@mtangel.edu

(SAINT BENEDICT, Ore.)- �ֲ���ý welcomed leading international scholars July 13–17 for the Fellowship of Scholars, a recurring program of the �ֲ���ý Institute, where they discussed and studied Freedom and Grace, a work by St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein). The conference brought together scholars from 9 countries in Europe, North America and Asia to examine the work’s significance and its implications for ongoing scholarship.

“The idea of the Fellowship of Scholars is unique from other academic conferences, in which scholars may just drop in for their particular presentation, and then jet off to their next engagement. The Fellowship is imbued with the character of our Benedictine values of prayer, beauty, and community life, so the scholars get to spend quality time throughout the week in ongoing dialogue and discussion, have meals and social time together, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that the Abbey has to offer,” says Br. Matthew Sislow, OSB, coordinator of the �ֲ���ý Institute.

Among the participants were Fr. Christof Betschart, OCD, outgoing Dean of the Pontifical Institute for Spirituality (the Teresianum) in Rome; Dr. Mette Lebech of Maynooth University in Ireland and General Editor of Edith Stein Studies; and Fr. Thomas Gricoski, OSB, of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, president of the International Association for the Study of the Philosophy of Edith Stein (IASPES).

A central focus of the conference was the growing recognition of Freedom and Grace, recently translated into English for the first time by Dr. Joseph Papa of �ֲ���ý Seminary, as a pivotal early work in Stein’s intellectual and spiritual development. Previous scholarship assumed it to be a later work, but recent scholarship shows that Stein wrote it in 1921, prior to her baptism. Throughout the week, participants discussed and analyzed Stein’s interpretations and research.

Invited scholars presented on various aspects of Dr. Papa’s research on Freedom and Grace. The conference was fully underwritten by the �ֲ���ý Institute.

Conference Participants

• Dr. Joyce Berkman — University of Massachusetts Amherst (via Zoom)
• Fr. Christof Betschart, OCD — Teresianum, Rome
• Dr. Tim Burns — University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis
• Dr. Anthony Calcagno — King’s University College, Ontario (via Zoom)
• Harry D’Agostino — St. Bernard’s School of Theology & Ministry
• Fr. Tonke Dennebaum — University of Mainz, Germany
• Dr. Valentina Gaudiano — Sophia Institute, Florence
• Fr. Thomas Gricoski, OSB — Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, Indiana
• Dr. Sean Haefner — �ֲ���ý Seminary
• Dr. John Hopkins — Saint Martin’s University, Lacey, Washington
• Yashi Jiang — Independent Scholar, Macau
• Dr. Mette Lebech — Maynooth University, Ireland
• Dr. Ronny Miron — Bar-Ilan University, Tel Aviv
• Fr. Pier-Giorgio Pacelli, OCD — ICS Managing Editor, Washington, D.C.
• Dr. Joseph Papa — �ֲ���ý Seminary
• Dr. Michele Petersen — St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa
• Dr. William Tullius — American Public University
• Dr. Anna Varga-Jani — Collegium Professorum Hungarorum, Budapest
• Dr. Mariéle Wulf — Tilburg University, Netherlands
• Dr. Joshua Yuan — University of St. Francis, Macau

About �ֲ���ý and Seminary

�ֲ���ý, a Benedictine monastic community founded in 1882, is dedicated to a life of prayer, work, pastoral ministry, hospitality and education. �ֲ���ý Seminary, an apostolate of �ֲ���ý and the largest seminary in the West, forms men for the Roman Catholic priesthood. The Abbey Foundation of Oregon supports the monastic community’s mission of service to the Church.

By: Dr. Amanda Staggenborg

“Joy is a grace from God and, fundamentally, a choice,” reminded The Most Reverend Frank Schuster, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Seattle, as he addressed this year’s graduating class of �ֲ���ý Seminary.  “Defiant joy is an attitude, rooted in faith, that tethers us in our ups and downs, rooted in the idea that being a fundamentally joyful person isn’t about how dark it is or by the news channel or by any other current event in our lives. It is about refusing to define our joy on what is happening outside in the world around us. Our joy comes from within, born of faith.” As the graduates continue their vocations, he encouraged them to remain open to learning from the communities they are called to serve. On Saturday, May 9, twenty-five graduates joyfully celebrated both the completion of one chapter and the start of another in the journey of their sacred service.

Very Reverend Jeff Eirvin, president-rector of �ֲ���ý Seminary, delivered the invocation and presided over the commencement exercises. With the support of faculty, family members, friends, fellow seminarians, and the monastic community, graduates received degrees and a certificate across multiple academic disciplines from bachelor’s to doctorate, including philosophy, theology and ministry.

Father Eirvin also presented the Lumen Gentium Award to Thomas G. Greene with gratitude for eleven years of service as a Seminary board member and eight years of leadership as Seminary board chair. Right Reverend Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, abbot and chancellor, concluded the exercises with a special blessing, stating, “�ֲ���ý is always a place for you. You know the rhythms…the rhythms of prayer and the rhythm of our way of life. �ֲ���ý Seminary is a wonderful place to come back to because you find same rhythms of life, always still here.”

The seminarians who received their Bachelor of Arts degrees were Caleb Peltzer, Diocese of Fresno; and Ralph Antonio Tronci, Diocese of Sacramento.

The following seminarians received a Certificate of Philosophy: Robert James Maximilian Currall, Archdiocese of Seattle; and Shane Michael David Duffy, Diocese of Orange.

The Master of Arts (Philosophy) recipients included Mauricio Duran, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon; Gino Esposito, Archdiocese of Las Vegas; Daniel Kemper, Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau; Jacob Tomas Means, Diocese of Reno; Br. Damien-Joseph Rappuhn, OSB, Saint Martin’s Abbey; Ernesto José Juárez Urquilla, Archdiocese of Las Vegas; and Michael Weight, Diocese of Salt Lake City.

The following transitional deacons earned their Master of Divinity: Rev. Mr. Shawn Raymond Daniel, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon; Rev. Mr. José Luis Gómez Díaz, Diocese of Salt Lake City; Rev. Mr. John Paul Langsfeld, Archdiocese of Santa Fe; Rev. Mr. José Francisco Orozco Cárdenas, Diocese of Fresno; Br. Damien-Joseph Rappuhn, OSB, Saint Martin’s Abbey; and Rev. Mr. Jaime Zuazo, Diocese of Salt Lake City.

The Master of Arts (Theology) recipient was Sean Kawashima Akroyd.

The Doctor of Ministry recipients included Rev. Alex De Paulis, Diocese of San Diego; and Lynda Lee Sander Olsen.

The following graduates received their Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology through the Pontifical Atheneum of Sant’Anselmo: Rev. Anselm Flores, OSB, �ֲ���ý; Rev. Maximiliano Muñoz, Archdiocese of Seattle; Brody Stewart; Rev. Michael Shrum, OSB, �ֲ���ý; and Rev. Anthony Shumway, Diocese of Salt Lake City.

To view photos from the 137th Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercises, visit �ֲ���ý and Seminary’s .

Front row (left to right): Fr. Jeff Eirvin, Bishop Daniel Mueggenborg, Abbot Jeremy Driscoll, OSB; Second row (left to right): Edward Huber, John Nguyen, Joseph Canepa, Br. Thomas Buttrick, OSB, Tyler Alt; Third row (left to right): Robert Kelly, Cody Schurter, Br. Pachomius Hamor, OSB, Đavid Huy Đỗ; Fourth row (left to right): Connor Brown, Anthony Rizo

On March 17, 2026, eleven �ֲ���ý seminarians representing five (arch)dioceses and two religious communities received the ministries of lector and acolyte during the celebration of the Eucharist at �ֲ���ý Seminary. Bishop Daniel H. Mueggenborg, of the Diocese of Reno, was the principal celebrant and instituting prelate. Abbot Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, Fr. Jeff Eirvin, and priests from the Seminary and the monastery concelebrated the liturgy.

In his homily, Bishop Mueggenborg expressed that “at the heart of our faith and at the heart of the priesthood are word and sacrament.” He addressed the seminarians to be instituted, stating, “I rejoice to install you, brothers, in these ministries which express the double aspect of the priestly office.” Bishop Mueggenborg described how the ministries of lector and acolyte build up the Church and how exercising these ministries is meant to conform the seminarians more closely to Christ’s love for his Church. “Do not take these responsibilities lightly,” said Bishop Mueggenborg. “As you accept this ministry today, your life should be different tomorrow.”

Following the homily, the candidates for lector and acolyte stood before Bishop Mueggenborg, receiving instruction and exhortation about their ministry from the rite of institution. For the lectors, the bishop said that they would “proclaim that word in the liturgical assembly, instruct children and adults in the faith, and prepare them to receive the sacraments worthily . . . Thus, with your help, men and women will come to know God our Father and his Son Jesus Christ, whom he sent and so be able to reach eternal life.” For the acolytes, the bishop said that it is their “responsibility to assist priests and deacons in carrying out their ministry, and as special ministers to give holy communion to the faithful at the liturgy and to the sick . . . you should strive to live more fully by the Lord’s sacrifice and to be molded more perfectly in its likeness.”

Those instituted into the ministry of lector were Connor William Brown, Diocese of Orange; and Anthony Alexis Rizo, Diocese of Reno. Those instituted into the ministry of acolyte were Tyler Matthew Alt, Diocese of Orange; Br. Thomas Buttrick, OSB, �ֲ���ý; Joseph Ryan Canepa, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon; Đavid Huy Đỗ, Archdiocese of Seattle; Br. Pachomius Hamor, OSB, Saint Martin’s Abbey; Edward Huber, Diocese of Orange; Robert Kelly, Archdiocese of Santa Fe; John Thien Nguyen, Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon; and Cody Wilson Schurter, Diocese of Orange.

View more photos from the Mass with the Institution of Lectors and Acolytes on .

About �ֲ���ý Seminary

�ֲ���ý Seminary, an apostolate of the Benedictine monks of �ֲ���ý, is a school whose primary purpose is the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation of men for the Roman Catholic priesthood. The Seminary is comprised of a College of Liberal Arts and a Graduate School of Theology, which also offers theological education to qualified laymen and women. The Seminary’s programs adhere to the norms established by the Holy See and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as stated in the Program of Priestly Formation.

—Ethan Alano

On February 6, 2026, Sister Raffaella Petrini, FSE, President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, gave a lecture for �ֲ���ý Seminary’s Pastoral Symposium and dialogued with members of the Seminary community. Participants in the symposium included Fr. Jeff Eirvin, the Seminary’s president-rector, Bishop Peter Smith, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, Seminary faculty and staff, monks and seminarians. Sister Petrini’s keynote talk, Complementary Gifts: Collaborative Leadership in the Church, was part of the Seminary’s Archbishop Robert J. Dwyer Lecture Series, an ongoing formation series named for the 5th Archbishop of Portland in Oregon.

Sister Petrini is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist and was appointed by Pope Francis as President of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State and President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State on March 1, 2025. , that appointment made her “the first woman to hold the highest leadership position within the Vatican’s administrative structure.” Prior to her current role, she served as Secretary General of the Governorate of the Vatican City State since 2021. Sister Petrini has also been a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Bishops and on the Board of Directors for APSA (Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See) since 2022.

In the first part of her talk, Sister Petrini spoke in detail about the administrative organization of the Vatican City State and her responsibilities as President. Even though Vatican City is the smallest country in the world both in terms of square kilometers (0.44 km²) and population (695 citizens, 892 residents), the administrative responsibilities are complex and diverse. As a country situated within the Republic of Italy, “the enclave has a daily need to interact with the external world,” said Sister Petrini. Much of her work also involves the many employees and their families who contribute to the daily life of the Vatican City State. This includes institutional communications that help employees connect their daily tasks to a higher purpose to a nursery school for employees’ children. “The fraternal agape is an essential part of our activities,” said Sister Petrini.

She also described the unique experience of serving as President of the Governorate from the death of Pope Francis to the election of Pope Leo XIV, a time of profound grieving and new graces. “The city was literally still. Everything stopped. It was like an empty world for just a few days,” said Sister Petrini, describing the moment of Pope Francis’s passing. The immense amount of work and care involved during the official period of mourning and preparing for the conclave made it “a very prayerful time, a very sacred time,” she said.

In the second part of her talk, Sister Petrini outlined five principles for collaborative leadership from her administrative experience: presence, formation, diverse gifts, complexity and service. She spoke about the importance of delegating tasks responsibly, where the leader must know enough about many different roles to responsibly entrust those roles to others. “As priests and religious, we do need to care about competence, skills, when we go out there,” she said. “We are called to work with resources that are not ours.” Sister Petrini highlighted that a servant leader brings out the best in others to serve the common good. “The greater talent of a modern leader in any ecclesial or non-ecclesial context is the capacity to have people work together, to bring the skills together,” she said.

At the conclusion of the symposium, Fr. Eirvin gave an icon on behalf of Abbot Jeremy to Sister Petrini in appreciation for her visit. Written by Br. Claude Lane, OSB, the icon, “Our Lady of Mount Vernon,” is based on a painting of the Virgin Mary reading a book that originally hung in the home of George Washington. Sister Petrini expressed her gratitude and joy to be at �ֲ���ý Seminary and engage with the community.

Read more about Sister Petrini’s visit to �ֲ���ý Seminary on the Vatican City State’s .

—Ethan Alano

The bipartisan, bicameral action responds to public concern over Abiqua Falls potentially
being privatized, ensuring access for all Oregonians

From the Offices of Majority Leader Bowman, Senator Girod, Representative Lewis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact:
Rep. Bowman, Rep.BenBowman@oregonlegislature.gov
Sen. Girod, Sen.FredGirod@oregonlegislature.gov
Rep. Lewis, Rep.RickLewis@oregonlegislature.gov

SALEM, Ore. – The Joint Committee on Ways & Means Subcommittee on Capitol Construction has released its capital construction budget bills, which include funding that authorizes the state to explore and initiate the potential acquisition of Abiqua Falls, and pursue permanent public ownership of one of Oregon’s most treasured natural landmarks. The plan for public ownership of Abiqua Falls is championed by Democrats and Republicans in both the House and the Senate.

Located near Scotts Mills in Marion County, Abiqua Falls is renowned for its dramatic 92-foot waterfall cascading over columnar basalt cliffs into a pristine pool below. Earlier this February, The Abbey Foundation of Oregon, a supporting organization of �ֲ���ý and Seminary, listed the property sale after over 100 years of stewardship.

The bond allocation will allow the state to pursue purchasing the property and placing it under public ownership and management, ensuring public access for generations to come.

“Today, we are making sure that our children and grandchildren inherit not just stories about Abiqua Falls, but the ability to stand there themselves,” said House Majority Leader Bowman (D – Tigard, Metzger, S. Beaverton). “This place should belong to all of us. Oregon owes a debt of gratitude to the Abbey Foundation for their century of stewardship, and their partnership in ensuring public access forever.”

“Following the example set by the late Governor Tom McCall, Oregon is pledging that Abiqua Falls will continue to be protected and accessible for generations to come. It is the Oregon Way,” said Senator Girod, Co-Chair of the Capital Construction Committee (R -Silverton).

The effort to bring Abiqua Falls into public ownership has been strongly supported by the Abbey Foundation of Oregon, which has advocated for long-term stewardship of the property and responsible conservation of its surrounding landscape.

“It is with deep gratitude and hope for the future that the Abbey Foundation of Oregon entrusts the stewardship and legacy of Abiqua Falls to the state of Oregon,” said Dr. Amanda Staggenborg, Director of Communications for �ֲ���ý. “The beauty of Abiqua Falls will be enjoyed by generations of Oregonians and all those who love Oregon’s natural wonders.”

The use of General Obligation bonds through the Capitol Construction Bill reflects Oregon’s commitment to investing in public assets that provide lasting value.

“The acquisition of the Abiqua Falls property ensures that it will be in the public domain into the future for all to enjoy. This will be a valuable resource and a treasure for the enjoyment of generations to come,” said Rep. Lewis (R – Silverton). “I am grateful for the efforts of those who have worked diligently to bring this acquisition to fruition.”

The initial steps of the acquisition process will move forward in coordination with state agencies and local partners, with additional details about management and public access to be announced.

The Capital Construction bills including will go to the House and Senate for final votes later this week.

###

 Annual Four-Day Concert Celebrates 55 Years of Classical Music

Contact:
Dr. Amanda Staggenborg
amanda.staggenborg@mtangel.edu

(SAINT BENEDICT, Ore.)- �ֲ���ý today announced the dates for the 2026 Abbey Bach Festival, featuring the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers, set for July 29 through August 1, 2026. This year marks 55 years of the Abbey Bach Festival celebration on the historic �ֲ���ý hilltop.

This year’s performances include cellist Luiz Fernando Venturelli, saxophone quartet Cerus Quartet, Galvin Cello Quartet, and many others led by world-renowned pianist and artist director Alon Goldstein. Each evening includes a concert in the Abbey church and a concert in the Damian Center. The event also features a special Bach for Kids performance for children on August 1. �ֲ���ý’s monastic community will also provide a picnic buffet supper on the Abbey grounds with local and regional specialties, including German sausage and seafood.

Prior Teresio Caldwell, OSB, the co-executive director of the Bach Festival, expressed his enthusiasm for the return of the annual festival. “The Bach Festival has been one of the Abbey’s rich ways of promoting art and culture and keeping alive the tradition of classical music.  It is also one of the ways in which the monks practice hospitality in the Benedictine tradition.”

Tickets are available at mountangelabbey.org/bach.

About �ֲ���ý and Seminary

�ֲ���ý, a Benedictine monastic community founded in 1882, is dedicated to a life of prayer, work, pastoral ministry, hospitality and education. �ֲ���ý Seminary, an apostolate of �ֲ���ý and the largest seminary in the West, forms men for the Roman Catholic priesthood. The Abbey Foundation of Oregon supports the monastic community’s mission of service to the Church.

�ֲ���ý Seminary Partners with Five ATS-Accredited Seminaries and the
Seminary Formation Council for Priestly Mentorship and Training

Contact:
Dr. Amanda Staggenborg
amanda.staggenborg@mtangel.edu

(SAINT BENEDICT, Ore.)- �ֲ���ý has received a grant of $10 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish a new, large-scale national mentorship training initiative for the Program of Priestly Formation, 6^th ed. �ֲ���ý Seminary (MAS), an apostolate of �ֲ���ý, will lead the effort in partnership with collaborating institutions.

The project will feature collaboration with:

• Saint Mary Seminary (Cleveland, OH)
• Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary (Boynton Beach, FL)
• The Saint Paul Seminary (Saint Paul, MN)
• USML Mundelein Seminary (Mundelein, IL)
• Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary (Philadelphia, PA)
• The Seminary Formation Council

The project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. This initiative is designed to help theological schools across the United States and Canada prioritize and respond to the most pressing challenges they face as they prepare pastoral leaders for Christian congregations now and into the future. The grant to �ֲ���ý is one of 45 that was approved in this competitive round of funding to support theological schools as they lead large-scale collaborations with other seminaries, colleges and universities, and other church-related organizations.

Abbot Jeremy Driscoll, Abbot and Chancellor of �ֲ���ý and Seminary,  expressed the significance of the award, stating, “For nearly 140 years, our monastic community has operated the Seminary as our primary apostolate, forming priests for many dioceses in this country who are prepared for the ever-changing demands of pastoral ministry. We joyfully accept this award which allows us to continue this important work of priestly formation and to bring it to a new level, and I am confident in Fr. Eirvin’s leadership as he guides us through the development and implementation of this initiative.”

This collaborative endeavor prepares pastoral leaders at the foundational level: by forming the mentors who form them. This integrated mentorship model ensures that priestly formation does not end at ordination but culminates in the Vocational Synthesis Stage, newly mandated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in the Program of Priestly Formation, 6^th ed.

“As we prepare the next generation of priests for a changing world, equipping them for leadership, administration, and relational demands is vital for the success of parish life,” said Very Rev. Jeff Eirvin, President-Rector of �ֲ���ý Seminary. “Through the generosity of the Lilly Endowment and collaboration with multiple other seminaries and ministries nationwide, �ֲ���ý Seminary is excited to lead a new initiative that equips mentor priests to confidently accompany new clergy through a healthy integration into parish ministry, setting a solid foundation for the rest of their lives.”

Lilly Endowment launched the Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative in 2021. Since then, it has provided grants totaling more than $700 million to support 163 theological schools in efforts to strengthen their own educational and financial capacities and to assist 61 schools in developing large-scale collaborative endeavors.

About �ֲ���ý and Seminary

�ֲ���ý, a Benedictine monastic community founded in 1882, is dedicated to a life of prayer, work, pastoral ministry, hospitality and education. �ֲ���ý Seminary, an apostolate of �ֲ���ý and the largest seminary in the West, forms men for the Roman Catholic priesthood. The Abbey Foundation of Oregon supports the monastic community’s mission of service to the Church.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of about religion and lift up in fair, accurate and balanced ways the roles that people of all faiths and various religious communities play in the United State and around the globe traditions in the United States and across the globe.