Donald Raila

Rev. Donald Raila is a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey. He has been director of Oblates since 1988. During that time he has written quarterly letters to the community of Oblates and Friends of Saint Vincent Archabbey. These letters formed the basis for the collection, Lessons from Saint Benedict, a series of 26 letters written by Father Donald. A Study Guide to Lessons from Saint Benedict is also available. Father Donald is also editor of the book, The Rule in Bits and Pieces, a collection of over 140 reflections covering every chapter of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict. His latest book was scheduled for release in fall of 2022, Joy in the Life of a Follower of St. Benedict: An Exploration of Joy in Lent and in the Whole of Christian Life.

A native of Amsterdam, New York, Father Donald is a graduate of Wilbur H. Lynch Senior High School there. He earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1971, and a master of science degree in mathematics from MIT in 1972. He received a doctorate in applied mathematics from Princeton University in 1975, a master of arts degree in Scriptural theology in 1982 and a master of divinity degree in 1983 from Saint Vincent Seminary.

He made simple profession of vows July 10, 1978 and solemn profession of vows on July 11, 1981. He was ordained a priest on May 14, 1983 by the late Bishop William G. Connare of Greensburg at the Archabbey Basilica.

He also serves as the assistant director of monastery music (2003-present) and assistant organist (1991-present). He has played keyboard, the viola and violin in the Archabbey Baroque Ensemble since 2006.