Home At Last

HOME AT LAST
The Most Reverend Oscar Joseph, PhD, DST
Abbot General, Cistercian Order of the Holy Cross

As far back as my memory goes I have always wanted to be a priested monk. I took the usual routes directed by the Roman Catholic Church but my heart beat to a different drummer, not rebellious or a child of the age, just different. Celibacy and the walls of a monastery were not exactly how God made me. Finally, at forty, I revisited the call and built a cell at home and ventured forth. It was a treacherous journey, unaided, often misdirected and certainly misunderstood by my family and friends. The parish priest wondered why I would want to do such a thing. Yes, I looked for direction and support but little was found.

Now, many years later I have been priested and find myself the Abbot General of the Order of the Holy Cross, Common Observance. Home at last!

I write all this thinking that others may want to formalize their monastic call, find direction, support, and validation.

The Cistercians are monks who live both inside and outside the walls. They seek a life of perfection through contemplation, work, prayer, stability and obedience. The Order is open to lay men and women, and diocesan clergy, single or married, over twenty-one years of age, from the Anglo-Roman-Orthodox Catholic traditions. We are an independent Order in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

We follow the Rule of St. Benedict, a Constitution and have a manual that gives a detailed description of how to do it. Yes, we wear habits when appropriate. Most importantly we really care for and support each other.

Our Constitution encourages us to support anchorite life particularly those not living in a monastery.

The Abbot has prepared a special video for you to view. This video is an FLV file or "Flash Video". FLV files are the type used on such sites as YouTube. If you do not have an FLV player you may download a free one by clicking here. If your computer is a MacIntosh, you may download an FLV player for your MAC here.

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About the Abbot

The Most Reverend Oscar Joseph, OCCO has been a priest since April 19, 1993 and was consecrated as Bishop on November 9, 2002. Father Oscar Joseph took his final vows as a monk on April 24, 1999. He took the name “Oscar Joseph” to honor his father of the same name.

Abbot Oscar Joseph is married to Kathleen who has doctoral degrees in Counseling and Mariology.

The Abbot conducts seminars and retreats with a focus on teaching prayer and healing. He has conducted healing services throughout the East Coast of the United States.

At one time the Abbot was a nationally ranked 50-mile ultra runner. Now he enjoys writing and reading the Church Fathers.

The abbot has 21 years experience as a classroom teacher; international seminar and workshop leader as well as being a radio and television personality. He has done extensive writing in a number of professional mediums.

Education:

M.S. in Education/ English

Ph.D. in Counseling

D.S.T. in Sacred Theology (Scripture)

Awards:

DD (Doctor of Divinity, Causa Honoris)

LL.D (Doctor of Letters, Causa Honoris)

Who’s Who in Executives and Businesses 1999-2000

Outstanding Intellectual of the 21st Century, 2006, award

Leading Educators of the World, 2006, award

Plato Award for Outstanding Teaching

If you would like more information call or write:

The Most Reverend Oscar Joseph, OCCO
Abbot General
1606 Briar Lake Circle
Winston-Salem, NC 27103-6647
336 918-0975
Email: Abbot@bellsouth.net