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May Day!

May Day is an annual community-wide team-oriented sports and activity day held at Conception Seminary College which fosters fraternity, promotes physical fitness, and builds the framework for friendly competition.  Alumni from year’s past have great memories of May Day during their time at Conception Seminary. The night before, seminarians are usually up to no good…

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.          

Monks Compete in Warrior Dash

Last May, Fr. Victor and I were ordained to the priesthood.  This past Saturday, we were completely covered from head to toe in mud after competing in our first “Warrior Dash.”  The Warrior Dash is a 5K (3.1 mile) race with 12 different obstacles, most involving barbwire, water, mud, with some climbing structures.  It’s not…

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.…

Magnolias in Bloom

The magnolias were in bloom just in time for Easter!  Alleluia!

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…