Easter 2026

Dear Friends:

We should be grateful in this Easter Season. We had six weeks to prepare for this most holy of days in the Church calendar, and now we ring out our joy that Christ has risen from the dead, Alleluia!

Redemption began with the Cross and is now achieved in the Resurrection of our Beloved Savior. St. John Paul II stated about Easter: “The Lamb redeemed the Sheep, Christ the innocent reconciled sinners to the Father.”

As we learn from Scripture, on the morning of the resurrection, Jesus greeted the women: “Peace,” he said. Then he went on: “Do not be afraid!” This is the great Easter message of the Risen Savior. We no longer need to be afraid as we journey through life. We can have peace in our hearts because we believe that Jesus has overcome the great obstacle of death. In faith, we cry out in the memorial acclamation: “Dying, you destroyed our death. Rising, you restored our life. Come, Lord Jesus.”

Obviously, from the turmoil that is present in our world today, others have not embraced the sacred message of Easter: Jesus states that those who live by the sword die by the sword. (Matthew 26:52) Jesus’ peace is certainly different from the so-called peace that the world tries to offer. The world offers peace through temporary solutions such as wealth, success, or avoidance of conflict. But these things do not bring lasting peace. True peace, according to our Blessed Lord, is not based on external circumstances but on an internal sense of security and trust in God.

Jesus’ peace is a gift that comes from knowing Him and trusting in His promises. It is peace that transcends our understanding, enabling us to face life’s challenges with calmness, hope, and assurance. Unlike the fleeting peace that the world offers, the peace of Jesus remains steady and unwavering even amid trials.

If we are walking by faith, embracing the teachings of the Church and the Gospels, and receiving the sacraments of the Church, we are being prepared for the eternal peace promised to us and the joy that is the outcome of our openness to the truth and the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

We, the monks of Prince of Peace Abbey, are lifting you up in prayer during this Easter season, and may the Lord imbue you with the peace that is everlasting and prepare you for the eternal joy that awaits you. We thank you especially for your support.

In Christ,

Abbot Sharbel Ewen, O.S.B.
Prince of Peace Abbey

Prince of Peace Abbey

Oceanside, California

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Upcoming Events

March 2026

29 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord / 10:30 AM / Abbey Church

Mass at 10:30 AM. Blessing of the branches in front of the church and procession to the church.

April 2026

2 Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper / 4:15 PM / Abbey Church

3 Friday of the Lord's Passion and Death–Liturgy of the Hours: Sext (Day of Fasting and Abstinence) / 11:45 AM / Abbey Church

3 Stations of the Cross (Day of Fasting and Abstinence) / 12:15 PM / Prayer Walk on the Abbey Grounds

The devotion will begin at the entrance of the Prayer Walk on the Abbey grounds, located next to the cemetery. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring water, as the Stations will be prayed while walking outdoors and may involve sun exposure. This outdoor devotion involves walking and standing for extended periods; those with health concerns should take this into consideration. The devotion will last approximately 90 minutes. Space is limited, and advance reservation is required. Please include your name and the number of people in your party when making your reservation. Please reserve by emailing viacrucisonthehill@outlook.com

3 Liturgy of Good Friday of the Lord's Passion and Death (Day of Fasting and Abstinence) / 2:30 PM / Abbey Church

4 Easter Vigil Mass in the Night, Solemnity / 8:30 PM / Abbey Church

Mass begins outside in front of the church.

5 Mass of Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord, Solemnity / 10:30 AM / Abbey Church

5 145th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation

12 Divine Mercy Sunday (Second Sunday of Easter) / 10:30 AM / Abbey Church

21 St. Anselm, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, Memorial / 10:30 AM / Abbey Church

May 2026

1 St. Joseph the Worker, Optional Memorial / 10:30 AM / Abbey Church

8 1st Anniversary of the Election of Pope Leo XIV

10 St. Damien of Veuster, Priest, Optional Memorial / 10:30 AM / Abbey Church

11 Sts. Odo, Maiolus, Odilo, Hugh and Bl. Peter the Venerable, Abbots of Cluny, Memorial / 10:30 AM / Abbey Church

13 Our Lady of Fátima, Optional Memorial / 10:30 AM / Abbey Church

14 The Ascension of the Lord, Solemnity / 10:30 AM / Abbey Church

24 Pentecost Sunday, Solemnity / 10:30 AM / Abbey Church

25 The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, Memorial / 10:30 AM / Abbey Church

31 The Most Holy Trinity, Solemnity / 10:30 AM / Abbey Church

June 2026

19-21

Monk-Led Retreat: Basket Weaving: Beginning & Beyond / Abbey Retreat House

This monk-led basket weaving retreat invites participants to experience the Benedictine tradition of ora et labora—prayer and work—through a quiet, hands-on craft practiced in a monastic setting. Retreatants will learn the fundamentals of twined basket weaving while exploring how focused manual work can foster stillness, reflection, and a deeper integration of prayer into daily life. Learn More for full details.

23-25

Monk-Led Retreat: Basket Weaving: Beginning & Beyond / Abbey Retreat House

July 2026

17-19

Monk-Led Retreat: Foundations of Lectio Divina / Abbey Retreat House

This monk-led Lectio Divina retreat invites participants to step away from the busyness of daily life and encounter an ancient, prayerful way of reading Scripture rooted in the Benedictine tradition. Through guided practice, silence, and reflection in a monastic setting, retreatants are introduced to Lectio Divina as a simple and sustainable path for deepening their relationship with God amid the demands of modern life. Learn More for full details.

27-29

Monk-Led Retreat: Foundations of Lectio Divina / Abbey Retreat House

31-Aug 2

Monk-Led Retreat: Foundations of Lectio Divina / Abbey Retreat House

August 2026

4-6

Retiro dirigido por un monje: Fundamentos de la Lectio Divina / Abbey Retreat House

Este retiro de Lectio Divina, dirigido por un monje benedictino, invita a los participantes a apartarse del ritmo acelerado de la vida diaria y a encontrarse con una antigua manera de orar a través de la lectura de la Sagrada Escritura, arraigada en la tradición benedictina. A través de prácticos ejercicios guiados por un monje, el silencio y la reflexión, en un entorno monástico, los participantes son presentados a la Lectio Divina como un camino sencillo y sostenible para profundizar su relación con Dios en medio de las exigencias de la vida moderna. Conoce más para ver todos los detalles del retiro.