Today marks the first anniversary of my oblation to the monastic community at Mount Angel Abbey. June 16 is also significant because it is the anniversary of my baptism in 1984 at Saint Patrick Church in San Francisco.

Standing in line for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I remembered my time in Rome in 2012. I remembered praying before ornate baptismal fonts on this very day and traveling to Norcia, the birthplace of our holy father, Benedict. Standing in that line, I was grateful to see the beautiful tapestry God has woven into my life. In a moment like this, I give thanks that God has allowed me to make a gift of myself to him, to conform my life after his life, knowing that he will always lead me.
On this anniversary, I also remember the quiet and influential life of Saint Joseph, whose name I bear in my oblation. He is an example for all of us to follow in being obedient to God, being a just man, and walking in humility before God.

I give thanks for the gift of having a spiritual home like Mount Angel Abbey. I find assurance in knowing that there is a reciprocal remembrance of myself to the Abbey and the Abbey to me in prayer.

This past year has overflowed with many graces. I am grateful that I have been able to carve out more deliberate silence and prayer in my life due to being an oblate. It has helped shape my professional ministry career and my discipleship. I am grateful for such a gift.