St. Paul's Abbey
St. Paul's Abbey, located in Andover Township, New Jersey, was founded in 1924 as a Benedictine priory by Father Michael Heinlein. Initially established to support missionary work following World War I, the community faced challenges and a significant decline in numbers. In 2002, monks from Waegwan Abbey in South Korea revitalized the monastery, which was subsequently elevated to a simple priory in 2004 and continues its agricultural and community outreach activities.
Key Facts
- ›Founded on March 15, 1924, by Father Michael Heinlein.
- ›Originally established as a "Little Flower Mission Procure" for the Missionary Benedictines.
- ›Experienced a significant decline in community size after the Second Vatican Council.
- ›Revitalized in 2002 by monks from Waegwan Abbey, South Korea.
- ›Elevated to the status of a simple priory on January 25, 2004.
- ›Engages in agricultural work, including growing hay and Christmas trees, and community outreach.
- Former Monastery Listed On the New Jersey Register of Historic Places
- Included In Preservation New Jersey's List of Endangered Historic Places
Little Flower Mission Procure, Newton Ii
Father Michael Heinlein, Bishop Thomas Spreiter, Archabbot Chrysostomus Schmid, Father Charles Coriston, Fr Prior Samuel Kim, Brother Marinus
- Founded As A Mission Procure Following World War I.
- Minor Seminary Established In 1932.
- Elevated To Conventual Priory In 1936.
- Elevated To Abbey On June 9, 1947.
- Community Size Declined Significantly After the Second Vatican Council.
- Monks From Waegwan Abbey Took Charge In 2002.
- Elevated To Simple Priory In 2004.
About St. Paul's Abbey
St. Paul's Abbey is a Benedictine simple priory located in Andover Township, New Jersey, within the United States. It was founded on March 15, 1924, by Father Michael Heinlein, a monk from the German Archabbey of St. Ottilien. The abbey was initially established as a mission procure to support the Missionary Benedictines' work, particularly in the aftermath of World War I, with the aim of ensuring the continuation of their missions in Asia and Africa despite potential crises in Germany.
Early Development and Growth
The founding of the abbey in the United States was influenced by the need to establish foundations outside of Germany. Father Heinlein, expelled from German East Africa, was tasked with this endeavor and was encouraged by Bishop Thomas Spreiter. The monks acquired a farm near Newton, New Jersey, and established "Little Flower Mission Procure," dedicated to Therese of Lisieux. Despite early challenges, including financial difficulties and opposition from groups like the Ku Klux Klan, the monastery grew. By 1932, a minor seminary was operational, and the community engaged in spreading mission awareness and fostering devotion. The procure was elevated to a conventual priory in 1936, with a growing number of local vocations. In 1947, Newton was elevated to an abbey and placed under the patronage of Paul the Apostle, with an American, Father Charles Coriston, as its first Abbot. The community expanded rapidly, necessitating new construction for the monastery in 1961.
Post-Conciliar Decline and Revitalization
The period of growth at St. Paul's Abbey came to a halt following the Second Vatican Council, marked by a significant decline in vocations. By the late 1970s, the abbey ceased to operate and fell into disrepair. In 2000, the remaining monks sought permission to leave, and by 2011, the community had dwindled to fourteen monks. The former monastery was later listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and recognized as endangered by Preservation New Jersey. In a significant turn of events, monks from Waegwan Abbey in South Korea arrived in December 2001 and officially took charge of the monastery in January 2002. This intervention led to the monastery's elevation to the status of a simple priory, known as Newton II, on January 25, 2004. The revitalized community continues its apostolate, focusing on agriculture, retreat work, pastoral care, and promoting the mission apostolate, under the leadership of Fr Prior Samuel Kim.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. Paul's Abbey founded?
St. Paul's Abbey was founded on March 15, 1924. It was established by Father Michael Heinlein as a mission procure for the Missionary Benedictines.
What is the religious tradition of St. Paul's Abbey?
St. Paul's Abbey follows the Benedictine tradition. It is a simple priory of the Congregation of Missionary Benedictines of Saint Ottilien.
Where is St. Paul's Abbey located?
The abbey is situated at 289 U.S. Route 206 in Andover Township, near Newton, in Sussex County, New Jersey, United States.
What are the main activities of the monks at St. Paul's Abbey?
The monks are actively involved in agricultural work, such as growing hay and Christmas trees. They also participate in community work, including helping in local parishes and hospital work.
What happened to the community after the Second Vatican Council?
Following the Second Vatican Council, the community experienced a sharp decline in vocations, leading to a significant reduction in the number of monks. This crisis nearly led to the monastery's closure.
Who took charge of the monastery in recent years?
In 2002, monks from Waegwan Abbey in South Korea arrived and took charge of the monastery. This intervention helped in its revitalization.
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