Vocations
The Art of Lettering
Br. Michael has been doing calligraphy for years. He has attended many workshops, taught classes on the art in the seminary, and giving calligraphy retreats. In early August, Br. Michael, had two calligraphy retreats- one for beginners and one for intermediate students. He weaved in the Benedictine practice of lectio divina into the lettering process.
Funeral for Br. George
Today, the monks of Conception Abbey celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial for our confrere, Br. George. Brother George Strohmeyer, O.S.B., monk of Conception Abbey, died Monday, 25 August 2014. He was 92 years old and had been a monk for 36 years. He was born on 20 June 1922 near Benoit, Wisconsin, to Engelbert…
First Day of Classes
After several days of seminary student orientation, the first day of classes has arrived.
Picture Time
It is picture day and registration for the seminarians of Conception Seminary. The early morning rain did not prevent the photographer from capturing their smiling faces. This morning the men gathered in front of the Basilica in order to take the group photo. Afterwards they took separate pictures based on Diocese or Religious Order. Loud noises…
Beat the Heat
It was a sweltering 90 degrees at the Abbey today. Of course we have seen warmer, and during most summers, we would regard 90 as nothing special, but it has been a cooler summer, so it feels downright hot and humid today. Thunderstorms caused some havoc in the area, mainly with the electricity toward the end…
Back to School
The new seminarians arrived on Wednesday. A small group of the returning seminarians were on hand to offer hospitality and assistance to the new students, as part of the Seminary Orientation Team. The schedule has involved different conferences, introducing students to the various aspects of seminary formation, including academic, character, and spiritual formation. The evening…
Two Men Enter the Novitiate
Eric Kral and Joseph Fussner entered the novitiate today in a ceremony this afternoon in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Members of the community gathered for this joyful occasion, chanting verses of Psalm 84 as Br. Bernard, the Novicemaster, led the two novices-to-be to the altar, where they made their petition.
Monastic Experience Weekend
This past weekend (August 15-17), we welcomed three men to the monastery for our “Monastic Experience.” The weekend allows men who are considering a vocation to monastic life an opportunity to learn more about our way of life, join us for prayer, meals, work, and recreation. Abbot Gregory and Br. Bernard (Novicemaster) both gave conferences…
Solemnity of the Assumption
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a very festive day for the monks of Conception Abbey. In recent years and occasionally in the past, this is the day when novices make profession. If Novice Eric and Joseph persevere, they will profess vows on this day in 2015. Here is a list…