benedictine monks
Habemus Papam: One Year Later
It is hard to believe that it was one year ago when white spoke came from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the bells were ringing. I was finishing my last year of theology studies at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. I recall going to swim laps in their indoor pool, and returning…
Mass with the Sisters at OLR
A monk-priest is assigned to be chaplain to the Sisters of Clyde every week. One celebrates the Mass in the main chapel at 7:30am, and a different priest is assigned to Our Lady of Rickenbach (OLR), where their elderly and infirm sisters reside. Mass at OLR is at 11:00am each day. I am assigned to…
From Sunrise to Sunset
Everyone had a strange feeling when they stepped outside this morning– it actually felt warm. I know that “warm” is a relative term, but to be outside, see the glorious sunrise, and not have to wear a coat, how can you not raise your mind and heart to God? When I saw the temperature this…
Out of the Frying Pan
This posting was submitted by Fr. Guerric Letter, O.S.B., a monk of Conception Abbey. Fr. Guerric has held several monastic job assignments, but he contributes this entry in his role as Kitchen Master. On June 1, 2013 I began my assignment as Kitchen Master for Conception Abbey. Being just 31 years old, at the time,…
Fridays of Lent
The seminarians have been on retreat since Ash Wednesday, and it concludes late this afternoon with Evening Prayer. I am sure it has been a fruitful retreat, but they are probably ready to break the silence. In the monastery, each Friday during Lent we observe fast days with no meat and simpler meals being served.…
Mardi Gras into Ash Wednesday
Tuesday evening, Mardi Gras, the monks had their usual evening haustus with appetizers, beverages, and some extra treats. It was an enjoyable festive meal before we begin Lent and take on special observances and penances. After haustus, the card players were at their usual table enjoy some fraternity and a competitive game of Bridge. Below:…
Library Book Sale
The Conception Abbey and Seminary Library had a book sale Monday and Tuesday afternoon from 1:00-4:00pm. All the books were received from donations from monks, employees, and other friends. Br. Thomas said the book sale has been a great success, raising money that will benefit future improvements in the library. Seminarians gathered on both afternoons,…
Good Works and Preparing for Lent
The Lenten seasons begins this week with Ash Wednesday. Each year, in preparation for Lent, each monk of the community meets with the Abbot to submit his “bona opera” (good works). The bona opera is a list of three things that the monk has prayerfully decided to do for Lent. Usually these works correspond to…
Receiving a New Postulant!
It is always a great joy to our community to receive a new postulant. On this cold morning on the first day of March, it was with warm and grateful hearts that Joseph Fussner of Brookville, Indiana, entered our community. The ceremony for entering the postulancy is fairly simple. As Abbey Vocation Director, I accompanied…
Seminarian Dodgeball Tournament
The seminarians showed up in droves for the Dodgeball Tournament. Organized by a group of seminarians, I had the privilege of reffing this tournament that involved high power competition and pleasant reprieve from the cold winter weather. I offered to referee and give direction on how to organize the tournament since I have had past…