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Nativity Scenes
It is the last day of the calendar year, and the monastic community began their Day of Recollection, which concludes after First Vespers of Mary, Mother of God on Wednesday evening. We have a Holy Hour for World Peace from 3:30-4:30pm on Wednesday as well. Through our prayers, we place our world in the hands…
In the Christmas Octave
The past few days have been filled with many great blessings and activities. First of all, let me wish you: MERRY CHRISTMAS Christmas is always a wonderful time of the year at the Abbey, and we continue to celebrate during this Christmas Octave. Many familiar guests grace us with their presence during these holy days,…
For those in Need
After our very successful Giving Tuesday event, where many people contributed their time and treasure in providing for families in need, we were ready for the next step: Deliver the goods! Five of us from the Abbey (including three monks) traveled to Maryville to visit with the families and bring them the gifts that aimed…
It’s Beginning to Feel a lot like Christmas
The monks began the “O Antiphons” yesterday evening at Vespers. The O Antiphons are ancient liturgical texts used at Evening Prayer of the last seven days of Advent. Each of them is a name of Christ, one of his attributes mentioned in Scripture. December 17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom) December 18: O Adonai (O Lord) December…
O Antiphons
During this season of Advent, we have been preparing ourselves for Christ’s Coming at Christmas. As Christmas approaches, the monks take part in the Church’s long tradition of the “O Antiphons.” The O Antiphons are ancient liturgical texts used at Evening Prayer of the last seven days of Advent. Each of them is a name…
Renovation Continues
I took some monastery renovation pictures a couple of weeks ago, but didn’t get around to posting them. It was around Thanksgiving time when the monks on mission were back home for a few days and they were offered a tour of the monastery. I hope to get more renovation pictures in the days ahead,…
Ask a Monk Videos: Part 2
Here is the second installment of the #AskaMonk videos. If you missed the first set, you can check them out here: Ask a Monk part 1
Seminary Events
On Monday some of the seminarians wanted to take their annual Christmas picture. I took a picture for them last year, which was in the style of an “Awkward Family photo.” The seminarians donned some pretty hideous sweaters and sent out the cards to family and friends. This year they wanted to wear cassocks and…
Immaculate Conception
Today we celebrated our titular feast day, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The mural of the Immaculate Conception dominates the apse of the Basilica. Below: Seminarians and monks line up for the procession at the beginning of Mass. Below: Abbot Gregory presides at Eucharist on this special feast day.…