Tower Topics
Reflections of Light
It is that time of the year again. Yes, when the late afternoon comes streaming through the rose window and makes a beautiful reflection in the center of the Basilica. On our way out of Evening Prayer, I noticed the reflection slowly creeping across the pews and moving toward the center. So, I grabbed my camera and…
May Flowers
It is a beautiful and sunny afternoon to take pictures. So, I put on my 50mm macro lens and took a stroll around the monastery. Enjoy. Below: Br. Blaise spotted me with camera in hand and came over to show me some of his negatives from years before digital cameras.
Archbishop Jerome with Pope John Paul II
The post was submitted by Archbishop Jerome Hanus, O.S.B. Archbishop Jerome is the retired archbishop of Dubuque, Iowa. He is a monk of Conception Abbey and was elected as Abbot of the monastery in 1977. In 1987, he was named bishop of St. Cloud, Minnesota. During his time as Abbot and Bishop, he visited with…
In Nature
Below are a collection of various nature pictures that I took during this Easter week. The grass is now nice and green and the trees are beginning to bloom and get some color. We have experienced a nice combination of sunshine and rain this week.
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…