Since its founding in the Willamette Valley of Oregon in 1882, the Benedictine monks of Mount Angel Abbey have carried on the ancient monastic practices of work and prayer. Over the years as the Church’s needs, expectations, and ideas about ministry have changed, so has the Hilltop. With an eye on the future, join us in uncovering stories from the dynamic past of the Benedictine monks of Mount Angel Abbey.
Welcome to “The History and Tradition of Mount Angel Abbey,” a new limited series with Brother Cyril Drnjevic, Benedictine monk and Mount Angel Abbey historian, and host Pat Ryan, Executive Director of Mater Dei Radio.
The History and Tradition of Mount Angel Abbey is produced at the studios of Mater Dei Radio in Portland, Oregon.
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EPISODE 1
In this first episode, Brother Cyril Drnjevic, Benedictine monk and Mount Angel Abbey historian, gives host Pat Ryan an overview of the fascinating history of the Hilltop.
Learn why the Benedictine monks from Switzerland settled in the Willamette Valley, how the community recovered from devastating fires, why there is a dedicated Post Office in St. Benedict, and Brother Cyril’s favorite spot on the Hilltop!
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- Engelberg Abbey, Switzerland (from the Mount Angel Abbey Museum)
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- Mount Angel Monastery 1890
EPISODE 2
In this second episode, Brother Cyril Drnjevic and Pat Ryan explore the years of 1929 – 1945, the Era of the “Greats.” This episode covers how Mount Angel Abbey survived the Depression and World War II era, the development of seminary studies, and a surprising story about the Von Trapp Family!
EPISODE 3
This episode covers the history of Mount Angel Abbey from 1946 – 1961 during a time of massive expansion of the Catholic Church in America. Hear about how the explosive growth of the seminary, the vision of the “Builder Abbot,” and an inspiring monk’s awards from two Popes.
EPISODE 4
This episode covers the changes on the Hilltop following the 2nd Vatican Council in 1962. Br. Cyril and Pat discuss changes to the liturgy, developments in the seminary, and some of the key monks during these important years.
Hear about the famous Columbus Day storm, changes to the voting structure of Benedictines, the vocation of the laity promoted by Fr. Bernard Sander, and more!
Tune in to our final episode to hear how a world class architect agreed to design the Mount Angel Abbey Library.