religious life
Immaculate Conception
Today the monks of Conception Abbey celebrate their patronal feast day. Normally celebrated on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary was transferred to December 9, since in the Church’s Liturgical Calendar, yesterday was the Second Sunday of Advent. Yesterday marks 140 years of the founding of Conception Abbey,…
Snowfall
The monks arose early as usual, but as they glanced out the windows this morning, the ground was white. Snow has fallen at the Abbey. It continued to come down into the early afternoon, making the country roads not too friendly to the traveler. Br. Placid operated the snowplow this morning to clear the driveways…
A Matter of Perspective
Life is about the perspective we take. Enjoy these pictures of the Basilica with a fish-eye lens. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is the heartbeat of the Abbey. Here, we gather six times a day to praise God through the Divine Office and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. This schedule of prayer is…
A Year of Firsts
The priests of the monastery are on a rotation to celebrate the Eucharist for the community each day. In some monastic communities, it is the same priest assigned for the entire week who celebrates Mass. Our custom is that a different priest celebrates Mass each day. Today, Dec. 5, I was the principal celebrant for…
What is a monk?
It is a question that comes up when a non-Catholic family member hears that you entered a monastery. But, then again, the question arises when you visit your home parish and tell the regular Church-goers that you joined a monastic community and are a Benedictine monk. In either instance, the question is posed, What is…
The Printery House Launches A New Program: CalebCare
The story of The Printery House’s new program, CalebCare, was picked up by our local television station in St. Joseph, Kq2. View the video above or visit their website at, http://www.stjoechannel.com/story/greeting-card-makers-hope-to-inspire-the-sick-with/d/story/b-6ITztkW0q480pLZENulQ. The CalebCare program is a new take on the traditional “Get Well Soon” card; it is for the terminally or progressively ill. It is in…
Nameday
At Conception Abbey, it is our house custom that we do not do much to celebrate birthdays. However, what we celebrate is a monk’s nameday. A “nameday” is the feast day of a saint after whom a person is named. In monastic life, the Abbot gives a new name to the monk at profession. It…
Sunshine
This is the best time of year to snap photos of the sunlight illuminating the buildings and streaming in through the windows. It turned out to be another beautiful day; not a bad way to start December. The seminarians in our college return this evening from Thanksgiving break. Tomorrow is business as usual, but we…
Prepare Yourself
Beginning with Evening Prayer on Friday, the monks were on a Day of Recollection in anticipation of the season of Advent. A Day of Recollection is a day of silence and reflection where no speaking or common recreation is permitted. Rather, the monks are encouraged to read, spend more time in prayer, and practice lectio…
Thanksgiving
“I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you” (Phil 1:3-4). Happy Thanksgiving! The monks of Conception Abbey have many reasons to give thanks. It is important for us first to recognize the little blessings of each day, like a beautiful…