Succisa virescit — cut down, it grows again.

This ancient monastic phrase beautifully captures the story of St. Michael’s Abbey.

In this conversation, Fr. Ambrose sits down with Fr. Justin Ramos to tell the inspiring story of St. Michael’s Abbey: from seven Norbertine priests fleeing Communist persecution in Hungary, to the founding of a new community in California, to the building of one of the most beautiful abbeys in America.

It is a story of sacrifice, Providence, vocations, benefactors, and fidelity across generations.

As the abbey prepares to elect a new abbot on June 19, we invite you to look back with gratitude at all that God has done through this community—and to join us in prayer for the future of St. Michael’s Abbey.

Learn more about the abbatial election, the novena, and the plenary indulgence opportunity here:
https://theabbotscircle.com/abbatial-election

0:00 Intro
1:45 Origins and the Escape from Communism
3:17 The Early Days of St. Michael's Abbey
6:21 Canonical Life and Apostolic Ministry
8:25 Why do People Come to the Abbey?
9:40 Building a Church that Communicates the Sacred
10:32 The Abbey as a Spiritual Haven
16:48 What is God Calling us to do Now?
14:00 A Community that Always Prays
15:18 Sacrifice Built the Abbey
18:56 Inspiring Generosity and Faith
20:30 The Miracle of St. Michael
21:13 Collaboration between the Laity and the Abbey
25:22 The Impact of Abbot Eugene
27:25 "It was all St. Joseph"
29:30 The Election Process