Spring 2026 Oblate Retreat - Seeing Hope: A Morning with The Saint John’s Bible

How do you see hope? How does hope appear in the Bible? How does hope change the way we live? Every day we are bombarded with more reasons to lose hope; that’s why we must look for hope even in the most unlikely places…

 The Saint John’s Bible is a stunning work of art; the first hand-written, hand-illuminated Bible commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in the past 500 years. In a fast-paced, mass-produced world, take a step back to explore this handmade treasure with Assistant Curator of The Saint John’s Bible, Eamon Cavanaugh. Come hear the incredible story of how such a feat was pulled off, from the inspiration behind the commission to the materials and tools used to turn the pages into works of art. We will also spend time in conversation using the original illuminations to find how this modern manuscript offers us hope in a world needing it.

Our presenter is Eamon Cavanaugh, the Assistant Curator of The Saint John’s Bible at Saint John’s Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota.

Details:

• Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
• Location: Paul’s Monastery (due to the nature of the presentation, no virtual option).
• Cost: $30

Schedule:

• Saturday, March 7
• 8:00-8:30 – Morning Prayer with the Benedictine Community
• 8:30-9:00 – Registration/Check-In and Gathering Time
• 8:40-9:00 – Recognition and Gratitude to Ann Siverling
• 9:00-9:15 – Welcome and Opening Prayer
• 9:15-10:00 – Introductory session in Riepp Room
• 10:00-10:15 – Break
• 10:15-11:15 – Break-out session in dining area
• 11:30-12:00 – Midday Prayer in Chapel
• 12:00 – Q&A + Debrief in Chapel

For anyone who is interested, we will be going to Mac’s Diner for lunch.  All are welcome to join!

Due to the fire in the monastery kitchen, we have had to revise the schedule and the plan for our spring retreat.  Below are the changes:

• There will be NO FRIDAY night session.
• We discourage anyone staying overnight Friday night since there is no food service.
• There will be NO lunch AT the monastery on Saturday, but all oblates are invited to go to Mac’s Diner together after the retreat to continue our time together
• We want to make as few dirty dishes for the sisters to deal with while their kitchen is under construction.  So, please bring along your own beverage closed container for your coffee, tea, or water.  

Thank you for your understanding with these changes.