monastic life
Picturesque
These past 10 days or so have been absolutely beautiful. It has been sunny and in the 70’s and 80’s. It is certainly a good start for the summer. By the end of the week, it will be into the 90’s. The seminarians have been away for a few weeks. Three of them returned this…
Stained Glass Window Installed
I learned how to make stained glass windows while I was studying theology in preparation for the priesthood in St. Vincent’s in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It was an interest and a hobby that I did on the side between studying for classes. I made a few windows, but nothing spectacular, mainly gifts for family and friends.…
Clyde by Air
The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri (just two miles down the road) asked me to do some aerial photography and videography with the aerial drone. I had been wanting to take pictures of their beautiful grounds. They have a nice community and many extraordinary buildings. Enjoy these pictures from the air.
Organ Concert to be Held at Conception Abbey
An organ concert entitled “A Benedictine Liturgical Year” will be held at Conception Abbey at 8PM Thursday, June 2, 2016 in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Conception Abbey is happy to host Br. Dunstan Townsend, OSB of the Companions St. Luke for a recital of works by Benedictine composers ranging from the 16th to…
Br. Etienne Ordained to the Diaconate
On Thursday May 19, 2016, Br. Etienne Huard, OSB, was ordained to the transitional diaconate by Bishop James V. Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph. Witnessed by his brother monks, family, and friends, it was a truly joyful occasion for all as Br. Etienne takes the final step before his priestly…
Crozier Complete
Once Bishop Johnston was named the new bishop of our diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, I decided to work on a wooden crozier for him. When he was ordained bishop in 2008 for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, I made him a crozier which was gifted to him on behalf of our seminary college. Unfortunately,…
Br. Etienne Ordained Deacon
Br. Etienne Huard, O.S.B. was ordained a deacon Thursday evening. Bishop Johnston, our local ordinary of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, was the ordaining bishop. Family, friends, and the monastic community gathered in the Basilica church for this joyful occasion. Br. Etienne will complete his final year of theological studies at St. Vincent Seminary…
Seminary Graduation
This past weekend we celebrated with the graduates of Conception Seminary College who completed their bachelors of arts in philosophy and eagerly await the next step in their lives. The Conferral of Degrees was Saturday afternoon followed by a reception. The seminarians departed to their respective dioceses for the summer shortly after Mass on Sunday. The dynamic…
Seminary May Day
The seminarians had the annual May Day festivities today. The seminary divides into the blue and white team for a day long tradition of sporting events and competition. It is a tradition that dates back many decades at Conception Seminary College. The day began with a promising weather forecast. It was windy, but sunny and reaching…
Abbey Basilica Celebrates 125 Years
Abbey Basilica Celebrates 125 Years On Tuesday, May 10, 2016, the monks of Conception Abbey celebrated the 125th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Construction of the Basilica began in 1881 and was completed with the dedication on May 10 of 1891. Raised to the status of a minor basilica…