There is something special about the Price of Peace Abbey in Oceanside. You cannot deny the overwhelming sense of serenity as soon as you are on Abbey grounds, winding up the long driveway off Benet Road. The Benedictine monks’ tranquility emanates in all directions.
Although the Prayer Walk, with its canyon and ocean views, is enough of an Oceanside escape, my favorite thing on the hill has to be the Abbey Church. The church was designed by a renowned Mexican architect/artist/friar, Father Gabriel Chávez de la Mora, O.S.B. From 1980 to 1987 donations poured in so the church could be completed. Father Gabriel Chávez de la Mora is known for his sense of austerity and simplicity, ridding churches of an over abundance of religious imagery (a risky move for a sacral architect). The vibrant colors of the stained glass windows, the polished wood, the beautiful artwork all culminates into utter perfection.
With cobalt blue tiles, the church exterior is very nice, but you have no idea the extent of its beauty unless you stop hopping on by.
I had no idea that this gem existed in Oceanside…The Prince of Peace Abbey!! The modern stained glass windows are breathtakingly different from what one would expect…and the architecture borders on abstract modern art! I would definitely love to visit this beautiful church tucked away in Oceanside in the future! 🌟🌟🌟
It’s a date!
Aren’t you so glad you went into the chapel. Your photos are so much more vivid than mine. It helps that you have a cute model in there with the beautiful windows and accents. Well do. I really like the peacefulness there. I want to go back in the springtime and see what Mother Nature adds.
I have been in the chapel once before. But I didn’t realize it was open all the time, until you checked the door. 🙂 So thanks.