May They be Saved in the Angelic Life!
By the grace of God, on July 11, 2026, the Solemnity of St. Benedict, Abbot Theodore received the solemn Life Professions of two monks: Dom Arsenius (Wood) and Dom Alcuin (Thompson) during Mass in the Oratory of St. Laurence. This took place during the annual Oblate Retreat, which meant that we had a goodly sized congregation. We were blessed to have Dom Arsenius' parents present from Tennessee; sadly, Dom Alcuin's family could not join us, although two of his sons and one grandson had visited earlier in the summer.
Dom Arsenius continues as Librarian and Sacristan at Ladyminster, and has also begun theological education through the Antiochian House of Studies/St. Stephen's Program.
Dom Alcuin, who was experiencing some challenges to his health and mobility, was granted a blessing to return to Oregon and live with his family, who very much wanted to assist in his care. He departed for there two days after his profession and was granted the status of an "ex-claustral" monk, meaning one who, for good cause, has been granted permission to live outside the monastery, but continues as a member of the brotherhood. He also continues as Assistant to the Director of Oblates.
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