Tower Topics
Monastic Bonfire
On Tuesday evening, a group of the monks had a bonfire down at the area known as “Maria Laach.” Down the hill past the soccer field, there is an island with a fire pit on it and a nice grotto to Our Lady. We enjoyed the warmth coming from the fire and roasted marshmallows and…
The Benedictine Sisters Come to the Abbey for a Visit
As part of an annual tradition, the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration came to join the monks for evening prayer and supper on Easter Monday. It is always good to visit with the Sisters, who live only a couple miles down the road. They have us over at their monastery on the feast of St.…
Easter Sunday
Easter Greetings from Conception Abbey. Christ is Risen, Alleluia!!! Our day began pretty early today. I woke up at 3:40am and got ready in order to serve as MC at the 4:30am Vigil. Gathering in the dark of night, we had excellent weather in order to have our Easter fire outdoors. The procession ensued as…
Good Friday
Our Good Friday celebration of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ began at the 3 o’clock hour. The monastic community processed into a full Basilica in silence. The celebration of the Lord’s Passion consists of three parts, namely, the Liturgy of the Word, the Adoration of the Cross, and Holy Communion. The Priest and…
Holy Thursday
It was a beautiful and powerful liturgy at Conception Abbey, celebrating the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Seminarians, guests, and the monastic community gathered together to praise God on this special day. The customary Holy Thursday banquet occurred before the celebration of the Eucharist. The Basilica was filled with beautiful music and the lifting of our…
Triduum Schedule
What does the Abbey’s Triduum Schedule look like? See below. Holy Thursday 11:00am Reconciliation Service (Basilica) 12:00pm Lunch 5:00pm Holy Thursday Banquet (Guest Dining Room) 7:00pm Solemn Eucharist of the Lord’s Supper Adoration of the Eucharist until Midnight Good Friday 7:50am Morning Prayer 11:45am Daytime Prayer 12:00pm Lunch 3:00pm Celebration of the Passion of the…
Palm Sunday Procession
Due to the questionable weather, we had to keep the Palm Sunday procession indoors this year. It was cloudy and threatening to rain all morning long. Scattered thunderstorms have been saturating the ground, just in time for the farmers’ planting season. Our procession took us to St. Raphael Hall and back to the Basilica for…
A Little More Like Spring
This week has been remarkably warmer, and signs of spring are all around us. The grass is looking far greener than ever, and people are outside walking, jogging, and working. Below: Br. Blaise rakes some leaves and prepares the gardens on a beautiful afternoon. Below: The light from the evening sun casts a stunning reflection…