| It is refreshing to meet a young man who grew up in our hectic world to be attracted to the isolation and solitude of our monastery. This is what drew Father Michael Peterson to visit Blue Cloud Abbey for many years beginning in high school. After years of soaking in the 'countryness', the liturgies and music of the abbey, Fr Michael asked to join the community. There was one problem. Our monastery is Catholic, Michael was Lutheran. He converted to Catholicism and became a monk. |
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 College buddies |
He brings with him many talents and skills. He received his B.A. in voice from the University of Minnesota, along the way he learned guitar, mandolin, tuba, recorder and piano. Since coming to the abbey, he has become the abbey's organist. | |
| Fr Michael has become enamored of Native American flute music. Not only did he teach himself how to play the Indian and Western Flutes, he has become an expert in making flutes and has a nice collection. He plays for special Liturgies, concerts and at the drop of a hat when asked by visitors. |
 Playing flute in Church |
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 Easter Sunrise |
Fr Michael left his home in Morris MN and came to the abbey in 1996. His father was seriously ill and has since died, his widowed mother often makes the hour trip to visit her son and her many new friends at the abbey. On occasion, his only sister and nephews and niece visit from northern Minnesota. His decision to join Blue Cloud Abbey was enhanced when he read Kathleen Norris' book Dakota and Thomas Merton's Seven Storey Mountain. | |
| As with all young monks, Fr Michael is tested in many areas of service to the community, and does well in all. He plays the organ, bakes bread, cares for the retreat Hermitages, is the Reteat Director, loves to read the Patristic Writings, leads singing at Liturgies, makes and plays flutes and even has given concerts, for recreation Fr Michael can be found playing handball, skiing, or looking at the stars through our large telescope |
 Weekly baking |
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 Abbey's 50th Anniversary Convert |
Fr Michael has graduated from studies at St John's School of Theology/Seminary in Collegeville MN, receiving a Masters of Divinity. | |
