Olivetan Benedictine Monks • Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana

The news archive of our community preserves the many moments that have shaped life here at Mother of the Redeemer. From early milestones in our founding years to the steady rhythm of daily prayer and work, each entry offers a window into the journey of our Olivetan Benedictine family. Visitors who browse these pages will find reflections on visits from beloved spiritual leaders, celebrations of feast days, and the quiet blessings of monastic living. Together, these stories form a living chronicle of faith, hospitality, and dedication to the rule of Saint Benedict that continues to guide our community today.

This archive also captures the ways our monastery has reached outward into the wider world over the years. Retreats, days of recollection, and gatherings with neighboring parishes have all left their mark on our history. Through these recorded moments, we see the steady thread of hospitality that lies at the heart of Benedictine life, welcoming guests as Christ himself. The pages serve not only as a record of what has passed but as an invitation to remember the graces we have received and to give thanks for every person who has walked through our doors.

For those new to our community, browsing the news archive offers a gentle introduction to the character and spirit of our monastery. You will encounter the warmth of shared meals, the beauty of our liturgical celebrations, and the faithful work of our monks across many years. Each article reflects the simple yet profound conviction that God is present in every moment of daily life. We invite readers to explore these pages slowly, allowing the accumulated wisdom and joy of our community's history to speak to their own hearts and to deepen their appreciation for Benedictine spirituality.

The archive also documents the evolution of our physical surroundings, from building projects and renovations to the care of our grounds and gardens. These efforts, though practical in nature, carry deep spiritual meaning, for they embody the Benedictine value of stewardship and the belief that caring for creation is a form of prayer. Photographs and written accounts show how the community has worked together through the years, hands joined in shared labor and hearts united in common purpose. Such records remind us that the monastery is not merely a place but a living expression of faith made tangible through wood, stone, and daily devotion.

We encourage those who visit this archive to consider how the past continues to speak into the present moment. The milestones recorded here are not distant relics but living reminders of God's faithfulness across generations. As our community looks toward the future with hope, we carry forward the lessons and blessings of all that has come before. Whether you are a longtime friend of the monastery or discovering us for the first time, we pray that these pages help you encounter the peace, beauty, and enduring presence of Christ that dwells at the heart of our Benedictine life.

Sunset scene with sunlight streaming through trees casting long shadows across a grassy lawn

News Archive

Earlier milestones and visits from the life of our Olivetan Benedictine community.

Earlier Community News

Abbot General Diego M. Rosa Visits

July 26–29

Our community was graced by a visit from Abbot General Diego M. Rosa, who traveled from Monte Oliveto Maggiore near Siena, Italy. He was accompanied by Dom Andrea M. Santus and Dom Guglielmo M. Gambina.

Olivetan Sisters Celebrate 125th Anniversary

The Olivetan Sisters marked their 125th anniversary, a significant milestone for the wider Olivetan Benedictine family.

Anne-Christian Heinen Becomes a Consecrated Virgin

Anne-Christian Heinen was received as a consecrated virgin, a joyful occasion for the local Church and our monastic community.

Colombian Bishop Alfonso Cabezas and Companions Visit

Bishop Alfonso Cabezas of Colombia, together with companions, visited the monastery, strengthening bonds between our community and the Church in Latin America.

Br. Bernard M. Keele, OSB Oliv., Joins the Community

Br. Bernard M. Keele, OSB Oliv., was welcomed into the community, adding to the growing monastic family at Mother of the Redeemer.

Abbot Gregory Polan of Conception Abbey Visits

Abbot Gregory Polan of Conception Abbey paid a fraternal visit to the monastery, reflecting the bonds of friendship among Benedictine houses.

Life Awareness Retreat Held

2011

A Life Awareness Retreat was held at the monastery, offering participants time for prayer, reflection, and discernment in the Benedictine tradition.

Br. Gabriel Makes Temporary Profession

Br. Gabriel made his Temporary Profession, a significant step in his monastic journey with the Olivetan Benedictine community.

Two Olivetan Confreres Visit

Two Olivetan confreres visited the monastery, sharing fellowship and strengthening ties within the Olivetan Congregation.

Fr. Sensat Speaks on the Benedictine Doctors

Fr. Sensat offered a presentation on the Benedictine doctors, exploring the rich intellectual and spiritual heritage of the Benedictine tradition.

Explore More

Photos

View images from liturgical celebrations, community life, and special visits to the monastery.

Browse photos →

Oblates

Learn about the oblate program, through which lay faithful associate themselves with our Benedictine community.

Ways to Give

Support the monastery through donations and other forms of giving that sustain our life of prayer and work.