monastic life
All the Colors
It has been a beautiful week of cooler temperatures in the 70’s. All of the monks have enjoyed it immensely. On this day nine years ago, I was received into the community as a postulant. I remember the feelings of excitement and of simply desiring to do what I thought God was asking me to…
Priests Softball Game
Fr. Victor and I traveled to the T-Bones Stadium in Kansas City, Kansas to play in the 1st Annual Pitching for Priests softball game. I have been looking forward to this game for weeks, and it did not disappoint. First of all, there was a good group of people tailgating before the game. The weather…
Game Day
I enjoyed traveling to Macon, Missouri to cover weekend Masses for Fr. Dave Viet. The parish community was very hospitable and I had one of the best meals in a long time at a parishioner’s home on Saturday evening. Two seminarians from the Diocese of Jefferson City were also in town to begin their week…
Feast of St. Benedict
Today is the Feast of St. Benedict. However, our monastery observes it as a “Feast,” but give greater solemnity to the Transitus (passing) of St. Benedict, which is celebrated on March 21. Nevertheless, we call upon St. Benedict’s intercession: Stir up in your Church, O Lord, the spirit that animated our Father Saint Benedict, that…
Operation: Renovation
Br. Maximilian provides us with today’s pictures from inside the monastery. The renovation process proceeds as workers continue the demolition process. Below: One of the stairways is removed, leaving quite the drop-off below. Above: The monastery’s “treasures” are stored away from harm’s way.
Electrical Storm
Last night we had quite the display from the sky. It wasn’t fireworks, it was lightning. I had taken a bike ride after Compline, but got stranded when a storm moved in between me and the Abbey. Fortunately, some of our neighbors just finished putting their hay in the barn and were returning home in…
Stars and Stripes
Happy Feast of St. Thomas! Grant, almighty God, that we may glory in the Feast of the blessed Apostle Thomas, so that we may always be sustained by his intercession and, believing, may have life in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, whom Thomas acknowledged as the Lord. Who lives and reigns with you…
Summer Storms
Storms continue to sweep across northwestern Missouri, dropping a good amount of rain in the process. Yesterday evening we had another storm bring loud thunder and flashes of lightning. It was not the first time this week that we have had quite the showing of the forces of nature. Here is the official rainfall for…
Battling it Out
Br. Maximilian approached me yesterday afternoon and asked if I would like to play the game Battleship after Compline. On his recent vacation with his family, he acquired the 1984 version of Electronic Battleship from his grandparents. The game is in pristine condition. I could not pass up an offer like that. When he turned on the game…
Summer in the Monastery
These summer evenings have been very serene. Not convinced? Just take a look at the picture of the sunset below. The monks involved in the seminary have a well deserved break from the rigors of the academic year (the seminarians appreciate it too). But, prayer and work continue, even if there are not as many…