Conception Abbey
Recent Stirrings
Today we celebrate the anniversary of the Dedication of the Abbey Basilica. The Basilica is the spiritual center of our campus, because it is where we give praise and worship to God. All the work we do, in our many apostolates, draw strength from what we do six times a day in church. To quote the…
Monastery Art: Part III
The construction on the monastery is coming along rather nicely. The art in the monastic refectory, chapter room, and hallways is serving to adorn the new space, making it a place which glorifies God through its beauty. Br. Michael is coordinating the artistic efforts and finishing some of the work begun by the professional artists. Below:…
Rector’s Reception
Yesterday afternoon seminarians, monks, and faculty gathered to honor and recognize Fr. Samuel’s many years of service at Conception Seminary College. At the end of the semester, Fr. Samuel will finish his term as President-Rector, a role he began in 2007. His years of work in priestly formation, however, began more than 30 years ago as he…
Abbey Trails
Saturday morning we had the 20th annual Abbey Trails 5K run/2 mile walk. This year’s event drew a slightly smaller crowd that previous years, probably mostly due to the weather. The threat of rain may have discouraged casual participants from attending. While it rained before and after the event, there was only a light rain during…
Refectory Art: Part II
The monastic refectory has some new art on the east wall, which will be behind the head table. Two Beuronese-style murals, in color, now complement the monochrome murals that were recently restored. The refectory is turning out to be very beautiful and an appropriate communal gathering space. Below: Restored monochrome murals Above and Below: New…
Restoring the Refectory Art
Evergreene Architectural Arts of New York (the company that restored our murals in the basilica) will restore the Beuronese murals in the refectory and add several new murals in both the refectory and the chapter room. They have also advised the community in applying decorations around the walls of those same rooms and around some doorways…
Springtime
We have had plenty of rain lately to nourish the flowers and trees. We have a little more color on campus, which helps a lot.
Card Party at the Abbey
Saturday evening we hosted a group of eight couples who live around the Abbey. All of them are parishioners at St. Columba’s in Conception Junction. Many from the group get together regularly to have supper and play cards, so I decided to host them at the monastery. We played in the Alumni Union in St.…
Renovation Update
The monastery renovation is progressing well. I anticipate that we will see some rapid and dramatic changes during the next couple of months. The monks are still planning on a July 1 move-in date. Above: Monastery courtyard with new sidewalk Below: New stairwell on the northeast side of the monastery Below: Br. Blaise and Br.…