The Journey of Our Benedictine Family
Origins in Switzerland
The history of our Benedictine family begins at the ancient Abbey of Maria Einsiedeln in Switzerland. This venerable abbey, with a legacy spanning nearly eleven centuries, remains a thriving center of monastic life and pilgrimage. Built on the site where Saint Meinrad, the martyr of hospitality, was murdered in the ninth century, Einsiedeln is a place of deep historical and spiritual significance.
Establishing St. Meinrad Archabbey
In 1854, monks from Einsiedeln founded St. Meinrad Archabbey. Led by Father Martin Marty, OSB, these pioneers embarked on a challenging journey to southern Indiana. There, they tended to the pastoral needs of the local German community while laying the spiritual and material foundations of their monastic community. As St. Meinrad grew, new foundations were established in other parts of the United States and Latin America. In 1958, this expansion reached California.
The California Mission
Initial Exploration and Foundation
In the summer of 1957, Father Archabbot Bonaventure Knaebel, OSB of St. Meinrad sent Father Norbert Spitzmesser, OSB to explore the possibility of a new foundation in Southern California. With the support of Father Cornelius Waldo, OSB, who was already serving in the San Diego Diocese, Father Norbert, OSB connected with a generous benefactor in Riverside. By October, the Monastic Chapter at St. Meinrad approved the new foundation, and preparations began for the arrival of the monastic pioneers.
Arrival and Early Challenges
On January 21, 1958, the Feast of St. Meinrad, the Holy Mass was offered for the first time in the new priory. The monks spent the next seven weeks preparing the house for the arrival of their brethren. By March, the new foundation was blessed by Bishop Buddy. However, it soon became apparent that the Riverside location was inadequate for future growth. Prior Rudolph Siedling, OSB began searching for a more suitable site and found the perfect spot at Amsler Ranch in Oceanside. Located in Oceanside atop a high hill with an unparalleled view of the Pacific Ocean, the estate seemed too good to be true. Father Prior Rudolph, who was always full of enthusiasm and faith, buried a St. Benedict medal on the property and left it in the hands of the Lord. Despite initial financial challenges, the property was purchased for $135,000 with the approval of Archabbot Bonaventure.
Growth and Expansion
Father Luke Dougherty, OSB and Father Bernardine Shine, OSB joined the new community in Oceanside, bringing much-needed manpower. On October 23, 1958, the small community gathered for the first Mass on the new property, marking the beginning of regular monastic life on Benet Hill. Over time, buildings were renovated, and new ones constructed, shaping a permanent foundation. The community’s growth was supported by additional monks sent from St. Meinrad. The monks from Indiana that stayed permanently were Fr. Herbert Palmer, OSB, Br. Thomas Cimini, Fr. William Walker, OSB, Br. Blaise Heuke, OSB, and Br. Anselm Clark, OSB. Father Claude Ehringer, OSB was sent to the priory in 1961.
Establishment as an Abbey
Independence and New Name
In 1969, the community gained independence, becoming St. Charles Priory with Father Claude Ehringer as the first Conventual Prior. On February 7, 1983, the monastery was elevated to abbey status. Upon their new monastic status, the monks were allowed to change the name of the monastery. The dilemma was to be named St. Charles Abbey or pick a new name to bring awareness of their new status as an abbey. After many choices to pick from, it was Fr. Rudolph who suggested taking account of the unique and advantageous geographical location of the monastery. The monks have an unmatched ocean view. He meditated on the name of the Pacific Ocean, and its correlation with the peaceful life of a monk. He linked it to one of the titles of Christ Jesus, the Prince of Peace. The monastic community overwhelmingly supported Fr. Rudolph’s suggestion. There was great jubilation about the future prospects of the newly established abbey that the community elected Fr. Claude as their first abbot.
Leadership and Continued Growth
Abbot Claude led the community for eleven years, followed by Abbot Charles Wright, OSB, who oversaw significant expansions within the monastery. In 2015, after Abbot Charles’ twenty-one-year tenure, Father Sharbel Ewen, OSB was elected as the new abbot. Under his leadership, the community has grown more diverse, with a renewed emphasis on prayer, Eucharistic devotion, and the intercession of saints, particularly the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph.
Embracing the Future
Prince of Peace Abbey continues to thrive under the guidance of Abbot Sharbel Ewen, embodying the Benedictine spirit of hospitality, prayer, and community. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to our mission of spiritual growth and service, deeply rooted in our rich history and monastic traditions.
