Our Monastic Lifestyle
Located in the scenic seaside community of Oceanside, California, our Benedictine monastery offers a serene haven for men seeking a life of contemplation and spiritual growth. Blessed with great weather year-round, the monastery boasts an extraordinary location with breathtaking ocean views, refreshing ocean breezes, and stunning sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant hues. The natural beauty of our surroundings is enhanced by a rich diversity of vegetation and wildlife, creating an ideal environment for reflection and prayer.
Our monastery’s unique setting, unencumbered by an attached school system such as a seminary or college, allows our monks ample opportunities for silence and introspection. The well-balanced horarium at our monastery ensures a harmonious blend of communal prayer, productive work, community recreation, and personal time. This structure fosters a profound sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment.
Monks here can immerse themselves in the tranquility of our 130-acre grounds, whether it’s through solitary hikes amidst nature, invigorating bike rides, or leisurely walks along the scenic 3.3-mile San Luis River Trail that leads to the beach. The combination of spiritual practice and the opportunity to connect with nature enriches the monastic experience, providing a perfect backdrop for a life dedicated to prayer and contemplation.
Our monastery in Oceanside is not just a place to live; it is a sanctuary where the beauty of creation meets the depth of the soul, offering a unique and enriching journey for those called to the Benedictine way of life.
The horarium of our monastery is the following:
- 5:30 AM – Liturgy of the Hours (LH): Vigils, followed by private Lection Divina (LD)
- 7:00 AM – LH: Lauds, followed by breakfast
- 8:00 AM – Monks in formation attend class (usually one hour); others work
- 9:30 AM – LD
- 10:30 AM – Conventual Mass
- 12:00 PM – Lunch, followed by LH: Sext (inside the cloister)
- 1:00 PM – Work. (*)
- 3:30 PM – Break/Community Recreation/Personal time/LD
- 5:00 PM – LH: Vespers
- 6:00 PM – Supper, followed by Community Recreation (Monday and Saturday only)
- 6:45 PM – Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament (at the Abbey Church, Tuesday and Friday)
- 8:00 PM – LH: Compline, followed by Grand Silence
(*) Free afternoons from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday, Sunday and Solemnities
