For centuries Benedictine monasteries have been known as places of hospitality. From the Middle Ages, when pilgrims would plan their travels to shrines by the Benedictine monasteries on their way, to the present, when top-level corporate executives come to escape the ceaseless ringing of cell phones, Benedictines have provided a place apart, where people find both God and their deepest selves. With their vow of stability, monks and nuns remain rooted, searching in one place for deeper union with God. This frees Benedictines to open their doors to others in simple and peaceful hospitality, and to help their guests focus on the lifelong search for God.

At Conception Abbey, there are a variety of guests who come to spend time with us. Our long-term guests are the seminarians sent by their dioceses to engage in the work of priestly formation. The bishops sending their seminarians to Conception tell us that the witness of the monks’ life of prayer and focus on the celebration of the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours distinguish our program of priestly formation. In that environment, their academic pursuits and the formation of their character and spiritual life are enriched.

We also welcome several thousand high school students each year who come to attend retreats with their schools or parishes. Many come as part of a preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation. The visit to Conception Abbey and Conception Seminary College affords them the opportunity to witness elements of Catholic culture often not experienced before. The visit to a monastery and a seminary college, including the nearby monastery of the Benedictine Sisters in Clyde, show the life of men and women given to special service in the Church, and young men in preparation for service as future priests. We hope these experiences plant seeds that will eventually take root in their hearts, encouraging them to consider vocations to priesthood or religious life.

In addition, there are people who come from various vocations and careers to find time apart from their busy lives, to pray, reflect, and rest in an atmosphere that nurtures their spirit. Doctors and nurses, lawyers and corporate executives, teachers and graduate students, social workers and psychologists, parents and single adults, diocesan clergy and religious, university administrators and hospital personnel, all come to Conception to enjoy and soak in what cannot be bottled and sold – tranquility, an environment of prayer, peace. In our fast-paced world, we all need more of a precious commodity – time. Time to step aside and look closer at the events, obligations and priorities that shape our lives. Time to examine the direction we are going and to ponder future decisions. And time for extended reflection, meditation and prayer. The rhythm of life rarely provides such time. We must carve it out like a shelter from the elements. We must view the search for a balanced life and communion with God not as a luxury, but rather as a necessity.

Benedictine hospitality is our gift to the Church and to the world. That we are able to provide it is a gift to us from God and our many guests, friends and benefactors.

People often say to me, “Thank you for the wonderful hospitality.” As the spiritual father of this community, I say “thank you” to the many people who accept our hospitality. It is my sincere hope that Conception Abbey will always be a place of genuine welcome where we invite others to share in our quest – the never-ending search for the presence of God in our lives.

Sincerely in Christ,
Abbot Gregory Polan signature
Abbot Gregory J. Polan, OSB

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