Conception Abbey
Conception, Missouri
|
Conception Abbey Conception, Missouri |
‘The Work of God’The journals of Prior Daniel Petsche, OSB |
|
HOME What's New at Conception Abbey? Conception Abbey Conception Seminary College Location Giving Gateway Abbey Guest Center Printery House Events Prayer Schedule Oblates Spiritual Reading Links |
April 13 - 27, 2008Pope Benedict XVI Coverage: The visit of Pope Benedict XVI was truly historic for our country. The monks and seminarians of Conception were keenly interested in what he had to say for all of us. At his age it is not likely that he will return for another visit. I think there was a general sigh of relief at the end of the papal visit that the media had managed to remain positive throughout his days with us. Conversations at common recreation generally focused on the good impact of his visit, particularly with his outreach to the Jewish community. Gestures so often speak louder than words, right? Abbey Trails - Bigger and Better, again! In spite of the chilly Saturday morning temperatures on April 19, runners and walkers were stretching and warming up in good time for the 9:00 a.m. start of this annual event. This year was better than ever with over 100 runners and over 100 walkers (including some strollers containing some registered riders!). The runners said they preferred the cool temperatures to hot and humid. This annual fund-raiser for the Wellness program has been attracting larger and larger crowds as people come to the abbey to enjoy the fun of competing for running and walking prizes together with a nice luncheon, t-shirts, and various prizes. There were those who were serious runners and walkers (they had definitely trained and knew what they were doing) and then there were those who simply wanted to enjoy a morning of fresh air and sunshine. Either way, it was a "win-win" situation and everyone had a good time with good health benefits. The income from registration and sponsorships goes toward continuing to upgrade the equipment and building (JFK Recreation Center) which serves wellness programs used by people from the local area. On the road again: As Prior one of my responsibilities is to manage the use of cars for monks who are on the road for doctor's appointments, meetings, parish assistance on weekends, and a whole variety of needs. Our maintenance crew is kept busy not only in keeping the cars fueled (increasingly precious fuel!) but also checking out and fixing all the things that can go wrong with our mostly aging and mixed flock of cars. So often there's a turn signal that is out, or a funny noise somewhere, or a lost key irritating someone who is really in a hurry! We rely on our guardian angels to protect us as we accumulate unbelievable mileage in the course of a year, even in one week! I got one of those dreaded distress calls last week from one of our monks who had car trouble and was stranded. Fortunately it was during the day, it was on the interstate, near a weigh station, and with the help of a kind motorist our hitchhiking monk was picked up and brought to the weigh station where he could call the abbey for help. Again, we can thank our guardian angels! Special weekend for new Catholics: The RCIA program is a wonderful gift not only to those entering the Church, but to all who experience the joy of welcoming new people into our faith. This past weekend, April 26-27 the Abbey Guest Department hosted a special program for those newly received into the Church and their sponsors. It was an experience of Mystagogia for the whole group as they not only shared the Eucharist and a good lunch but were able to tour the basilica and seminary and enjoy a lively question and answer session. Fr. Patrick and his guest department crew did a great job in offering hospitality and providing answers to their many questions and impressions. And that was the way the weeks were... Let us pray for each other... |
© 2000 by Conception Abbey, Inc. All rights reserved. Site last revised 31 March, 2008. |
St. Benedict said, “Nothing shall be preferred to the work of God.” For the monks of Conception Abbey, this mandate is at once a passion, a burden, a responsibility and a lifelong journey. A day in the monastery can include big events, small tasks, quiet solitude and friendly conversations over coffee, all of it linked by the prayers of the Divine Office. In his weekly journal,