Fr. Donald Raila O.S.B.

Father Donald Raila, O.S.B., has been director of the Oblate program at Saint Vincent for more than 25 years. A popular retreat master, he has been a priest for more than 40 years. He has Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in mathematics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a doctorate in applied mathematics from Princeton University, as well as Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees from Saint Vincent Seminary. He has written three books and edited two, including Joy in the Life of a Follower of St. Benedict: An Exploration of Joy in Lent and in the Whole of Christian Life; Lessons From Benedict: Finding Joy in Daily Life and The Rule in Bits and Pieces.

Upcoming Programs by Fr. Donald Raila O.S.B.

Peace in Benedictine Spirituality: Peace with God and Peace in Human Relationships

April 18, 2026

In his Holy Rule St. Benedict mentions "peace" or its equivalent a number of times, and "Benedictine peace" is sometimes seen as a goal for societies and nations. The monk is to "seek after peace and pursue it" (Prologue), and the common sharing of goods is to be arranged so that "all the members will […]