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The Canons Regular of Prémontré of St. Michael’s Abbey live a common life devoted to solemn liturgical prayer and the care of souls. Founded by St. Norbert in 1121, our Order follows the Rule of St. Augustine, uniting the contemplative life of prayer with the active ministry of the priesthood.
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 Jesus Christ.
At the heart of St. Michael’s Abbey is the worship of Almighty God. The sacred liturgy is not merely one part of our day, but the foundation upon which our common life is built. Each day, the canons gather in the abbey church to offer the Church’s solemn worship in union with the entire Mystical Body of Christ. Through the daily celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the chanting of the Divine Office, we join in the unceasing praise of God, offering prayer and intercession for the faithful and for the salvation of the whole world.
From our common life of prayer and solemn worship, the canons of our abbey go forth to serve the Church and bring souls to Christ. Through preaching, teaching, administering the sacraments, leading retreats, and serving in parishes and chaplaincies, we carry the fruits of our liturgical life beyond the walls of the abbey and into the lives of the faithful. Our apostolic mission is thus an extension of our life at the altar, bringing the grace and truth of Christ to those entrusted to our spiritual care.
Some of our confreres write books and articles, while others have ministries through internet and radio. We celebrate the sacraments and teach religious education in prisons, youth facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes. Our abbey is the site of numerous retreats and Bible studies, as well as a popular summer camp run by our seminarians.
In short, we are an abbey of Catholic priests, united in love to praise God and serve His faithful people. Come and pray with us sometime. Peace be with you, and may God bless you always.
Under the leadership of our abbot, the Right Reverend John Caronan, O.Praem., St. Michael’s Abbey is home to more than sixty canons and a growing number of young men in formation for the priesthood and religious life. As Canons Regular of Prémontré, we consecrate ourselves to God through the solemn vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, following the Rule of St. Augustine and the tradition handed down by St. Norbert. Our vows bind us to a particular religious community, where, under the paternal guidance of our abbot, we seek holiness through fidelity to our religious observances, fraternal charity, and perseverance in our Norbertine vocation.
The invitation that our Lord extended to His first disciples, we extend to you. For young men who are considering a religious vocation, and who are interested in learning more about our Norbertine community, the best first step is to make a come-and-see visit to the abbey.
