We Welcome You as Christ!
Whatever your interests are, we hope your visit to the Abbey will be a source of peace and blessing. We invite you to stay a while – rest in silence, read, walk, and practice the kind of reflection that comes from the deepest places of the heart. Throughout the day, bells call the monks to the Abbey church for prayer. You are always welcome to join us.
In 1882 a small group of Benedictine monks arrived in Oregon to found an abbey similar to the one they had left behind high in the Alpine village of Engelberg, Switzerland. Five years later they founded Mount Angel College, and shortly thereafter, they founded a seminary, whose priest alumni have since served millions of Catholics. They also established the Benedictine Press (closed in 2002) and a library, which has grown into one of the most significant theological libraries in the Pacific Northwest.
The community observes the Rule of Saint Benedict, written in the sixth century by Saint Benedict of Norcia, who is considered the father of Western monasticism. Saint Benedict taught that nothing is to be preferred to the work of God. Benedictine monks dedicate themselves, first and foremost, to praising God, but they are also known for their love of libraries and education.
Life for the monks of Mount Angel Abbey is a gentle and regular rhythm of quiet prayer and work. The monks follow traditional monastic observances, including those of cloister, and the wearing of the monastic habit. Silence is cultivated in the monastery. The apostolic works of the community include the Saint Benedict Guesthouse and Retreat Center, Mount Angel Seminary, the library, the Bookstore and Coffeehouse, and the Benedictine Brewery.
The Romanesque-style Abbey church is the center of life on the Hilltop. You are welcome to gather with the monks for prayer or just enjoy the art, architecture and silence. Throughout the day, monastery bells call the monks to prayer, and they gather at night around the “Blessed Mother” statue near the front of the church, to sing traditional hymns in honor of Mary. The statue was carved in Austria in a 16th-century style and given to the Abbey in the 1930s. Other statues include the sixth-century Saint Benedict and his twin sister Saint Scholastica. The Martin Ott Pipe Organ in the choir loft features 2,478 pipes. The choir stalls, front corridors and sanctuary are restricted to the monks.
Monastery Bells
Learn moreMartin Ott Pipe Organs
Learn morePray with the Monks
Mass & Prayer Schedule-
Directions to the Abbey
Driving directions from the North: Exit I-5 at the HWY 214, Woodburn-Mt. Angel exit. Turn left, following HWY 214 as it turns right to join Hwy 99E, and then left, as Hwy 214 separates to go to the town of Mt. Angel. It is about 12 miles from the I-5 exit to Mt. Angel. In Mt. Angel you will see a fountain in the middle of town. Turn left onto Church Street, and head east, past St. Mary Catholic Church. (The monks staff this parish church, which has been beautifully restored). Church Street becomes College Street. One half mile farther, on the east edge of town, turn right onto Abbey Drive. Follow the wooded drive to the top of the hill and parking. You can reach the mall level by stairs or through an elevator attached to the guesthouse. You’re here! Welcome.
Driving directions from the South: Stay on I-5 all the way through Salem. On the north end of town, exit I-5 at the Keizer/Chemawah exit. Turn right. This road becomes Hazelgreen. Stay on Hazelgreen all the way to the flashing red light at the Bethany crossroads. You will pass a small pioneer cemetery and school on your right. Turn left at the light. This is Mt. Angel HWY NE. Follow this road into the town of Mt. Angel. You will pass the Queen of Angels Monastery on your right. You will see a fountain in the middle of town, with a green street sign indicating that the Abbey is to the right. Turn right onto Church Street and go over the railroad tracks (this will become College Street). Head east, past St. Mary Catholic Church. (The monks staff this parish church, which has been beautifully restored). Church Street becomes College Street. One half mile farther, on the east edge of town, turn right onto Abbey Drive. Follow the wooded drive to the top of the hill and parking. You can reach the mall level by stairs or through an elevator (closed through March 2019 for construction) attached to the guesthouse. You’re here! Welcome.
Arriving by Train: For guests of Mount Angel Abbey, Salem-Keizer Yellow Cab (503-362-2411) for transportation from Salem to the Abbey.
Arriving by Air: The Abbey is located about an hour from the Portland International Airport (PDX). All major rental car companies are represented there. Many guests choose to take the HUT shuttle. It departs frequently, and one can disembark in Woodburn. Shuttle reservations are required.
The Woodburn Affordable Taxi company (503-902-0092 or 503-980-5961) can provide transportation from Woodburn to the Abbey.
Parking is available below the guesthouse and in front of the Press Building, and handicapped parking is available on the side of Damian Center. Visitors can access the mall through a guesthouse elevator or through sets of stairs, located near the guesthouse and Annunciation Hall.
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Nearby Attractions
Benedictine Brewery
Mt. Angel
Silver Creek Falls
Mt. Angel Oktoberfest
Oregon Garden
St. Mary Catholic Church
Queen of Angels Monastery
Silverton