Seminarian Blog
Devotional Prayer and Liturgical Prayer
How devotional prayer and liturgical prayer work together in our spiritual lives One of our oblates, who is also an Evangelical Christian, described to me his first experience of praying with the monks at Conception Abbey. It was at Evening Prayer, and he commented that right away he knew it was an experience of something…
Conception Abbey Guest Center will offer new “Days of Reflection”
Something new is happening at the Conception Abbey Guest Center. Starting this fall, we will offer a series of Days of Reflection retreats facilitated mostly by Fr. Donald Gibbs, OSB. Each “Day of Reflection” will center on a different topic of spirituality or liturgical season. Starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m., each…
Three men enter novitiate at Conception Abbey
On Monday, August 14, 2017, the novice master Fr. Xavier Nacke, OSB, led the three postulants from the entrance of the Abbey Basilica to the altar where they were met with this question: “What is your request?” Standing before Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB, and in the presence of the entire monastic community, the three postulants…
One Bread, One Cup comes to Conception
Fr. Paul reflects on the first One Bread, One Cup high school liturgical leadership conference at Conception Abbey and Seminary College Each summer, St. Meinrad hosts several “One Bread, One Cup” gatherings. At these five-day liturgical leadership conferences, youth and adults discover the Catholic Church’s treasures of Word, Sacrament and Mission and enjoy opportunities for…
Conception Abbey hosts Benedictine monks congress
Monks of the Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation gather at Conception Abbey The Forty-Sixth General Chapter of the Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation was held at Conception Abbey this year. The triennial meeting, attended by thirty-two abbots and delegates from the thirteen monasteries forming the congregation, began on Thursday, June 22, and concluded on Sunday, June 25. The Swiss-American…
Fr. Hugh Tasch enters eternal rest
On Wednesday, 28 June 2017, between the Hours of Vigils and Lauds, our beloved confrere, Father Hugh Tasch, OSB, laid down the cares of earthly life and entered into the joy of his lord and master. Jubilarian of both priesthood and monastic life, Father Hugh had been resident in our Saint Stephen’s Infirmary and Health…
Br. Etienne ordained to the Holy Priesthood at Conception Abbey
Joy overflowed from Conception Abbey’s Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on Thursday evening, May 18 as the monastic community, family, and friends of Fr. Etienne Huard, OSB celebrated his ordination to the priesthood. Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB, Abbot of Conception Abbey, presented Fr. Etienne for the rite of ordination which was administered by retired Archbishop…
5 Common Fears with Discerning your Vocation
In his inaugural homily, Saint John Paul II said, “Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power.” His words echo the refrain heard from Jesus throughout the Gospel Resurrection accounts where his disciples are often struck with fear. Jesus comes to them and simply says, “Peace be with you.”…
Health and wellness central focus of Abbey Trails 2017 at Conception Abbey
Conception, Mo. – 163 participants came to the 22nd Abbey Trails 5K Run/2-Mile Walk and Health Fair on Saturday, May 6 to run with the monks of Conception Abbey and support health and wellness in the local community. This year’s event drew 72 for the 5K Run and 91 for the 2-Mile Walk. Seth Arnold…
Conception Abbey to host two free concerts
The weekend of May 6 will feature concerts of accordion and sacred music at Conception Abbey Conception Abbey’s Basilica of the Immaculate Conception will be the venue for two free concerts the weekend of May 6, 2017. The first concert on Saturday, May 6 at 8:00 p.m. will feature the UMKC Accordion Chamber Ensemble presenting…