The historic St. Michael’s Abbey, a 33-acre property in South Orange County, was recently listed for sale, as the Norbertine Fathers prepare to move to a new home not far from the property, in Silverado Canyon.
The Catholic priests have shepherded the property for the past 60 years, building their religious community into an autonomous abbey, seminary and nationally recognized preparatory boarding high school for young men.
“We all are looking forward to this new chapter in our history, and the proceeds from this sale will help to support our ministry, social outreach and maintenance of our new campus,” said Rev. Gabriel Stack, O.Praem, Ed.D, headmaster emeritus. “There are so many ways this incredible place could be put to good use with its existing facilities, or reimagined as something completely different. We’ve already had interest from religious organizations, boarding schools, private colleges, residential developers and buyers looking for a retreat or educational center.”
Full story at OC Catholic.
The Norbertines are a blessing for Southern California. The first time a Traditional Easter vespers Mass was offered at Mission San Juan Buenaventura, before our community was so vindictively expelled by Fr. Tom Elewaut, we begged Fr. Ramos, a Norbertine, to offer in for us. Probably the best Mass I had the honor of attending. God bless then in their new property. Thank you for all the Masses, they make the Ángels in the Heavens happy.
They originally said they weren’t going to sell that property. My, how things change once they’ve gotten what they wanted in their new site. Also, no more prep school. Wonder if the people who donated to the new location realized the Norbertines would abandon the prep school.
Since you obviously did not donate, why the spite?
As a donor to the new Abbey, I applaud that they decided to close their highly-regarded prep school so that they could concentrate on their seminary program. Their vocations have been nothing short of miraculous, and having more such priests will better work God’s vineyard.
Virtue signal much, do you?
Hey Anonymous, snark down. Brian was not virtue signaling. He supports the cause and puts his money where his mouth is. Well done Brian!
Sounds a little like what happened in San Diego some years ago. The Diocese said the university of SD [a dioscean school] needed the land the related high school was on. Promised they wouldn’t sell. Sold shortly. Closed high school. They did establish a high school in a ‘better’ area of the metro area.
As they said in Watergate, ‘follow the money’
In my humble opinion, we need both Catholic High Schools as well as strong seminaries. Otherwise, those who choose not to follow a priestly vocation might likely become former Catholics.