portsmouth abbey news
Portsmouth Abbey School Announces Abbot Emeritus as 2026 Commencement Speaker
Portsmouth Abbey School is honored to announce that The Right Reverend Dom Matthew Stark, O.S.B., a monk of seventy years and Abbot Emeritus of Portsmouth Abbey Monastery, will deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2026.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1937, Abbot Matthew’s vocation journey began with an invitation from Dom Aelred Graham, O.S.B. (School Prior, 1951-1967), to meet with Reverend Dom Julian Stead, O.S.B. ’43 (monk, 1943-2020), in Baltimore. At his invitation, Abbot Matthew visited Portsmouth during Easter and was deeply moved by the services and community. Subsequent visits confirmed his desire to become a monk. In 1956, he joined the Monastery, beginning 70 years of prayer, teaching and leadership at Portsmouth Abbey.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Latin with a minor in Greek from St. Louis University in 1960 while living at St. Louis Priory. After returning to Portsmouth, he taught Latin while continuing his graduate studies during the summer. He was ordained a priest in 1963, elected Prior in 1967 (superior of the Monastery) and received the abbatial blessing in 1969 when Portsmouth Priory was elevated to Abbey status.
Abbot Matthew has led the Monastic and School community through various periods of growth and transition. In the classroom, he taught Christian Doctrine to Third Form boys beginning in the 1970s. In 1990, he assumed the title of Abbot Emeritus; even in retirement, he has remained a beloved presence on campus known for his humility and sense of humor.
The Monastery website writes, “The part of him [Abbot Matthew] which is most enjoyable for his visitors and friends is his sense of humor and down-to-earth demeanor. It would be almost impossible to figure out that he has such a large stature in the community just by seeing or talking to him, unless you have heard it from someone else.”
Reflecting on his vocation, Abbot Matthew cites the heart of Benedictine life: “Saint Benedict says our monastic life is a seeking of God. It is a life in which we praise God in the Liturgy of the Hours and try to live in charity with our Brethren and others. Hence the life is a means of fulfilling the two great commandments: to love God with your whole heart, mind, and strength and to love your neighbor. I have found that the life in this monastery is a help to carrying out Gospel Life.”
A favorite line from his “hero”, St. Pope John XXIII, reads, “I renew the consecration of my life to your worship, your love, your altar,” beautifully captures how Abbot Matthew has chosen to define his life by service and ministry.
"Known by many for his Stentorian voice, the silences in between confirm for those of us who have been associated with Portsmouth Abbey for any period of time how humble and devoted a servant of God Abbot Matthew is,” said Head of School Matt Walter. “Our students are sure to benefit from his wit and wisdom at Commencement.”
The 2026 Commencement Exercises will take place on campus at Portsmouth Abbey School on Sunday, May 24, at 11 a.m. after the Commencement Mass at 9:30 a.m.
Above: Dom Matthew Stark, O.S.B., circa 1970.
Dom Matthew Stark, O.S.B., circa 2024.