Almighty ever-living God, we humbly implore your majesty that,
just as your Only Begotten Son was presented on this day in the Temple in
the substance of our flesh, so, by your grace, we may be presented to you with
minds made pure. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns
with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

O God, who raised up the Priest Saint John Bosco as a father
and teacher of the young, grant we pray, that, aflame with the same fire of love,
we may seek out souls and serve you alone. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

O God, who made Saint Thomas Aquinas outstanding in his zeal
for holiness and his study of sacred doctrine, grant us, we pray, that we
may understand what he taught and imitate what he accomplished. Through our Lord Jesus
Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

The junior monks at recreation Wednesday evening.

It was an unseasonably warm and calm day for January.

Almighty ever-living God, who, when Christ had been baptized
in the River Jordan and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him, solemnly
declared him your beloved Son, grant that your children by adoption, reborn of water
and the Holy Spirit, may always be well pleasing to you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your
Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

May the splendor of your majesty, O Lord,
we pray, shed its light upon our hearts, that we may
pass through the shadows of this world and reach the brightness
of our eternal home. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives
and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary
bestowed on the human race the grace of eternal salvation,
grant, we pray, that we may experience the intercession of her,
through whom we were found worthy to receive the author of life,
our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. Who lives and reigns with you in
the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

The unseasonably warm weather we were blessed with yesterday
had everyone wanting to spend a little more time outside. An afternoon
walk taken by one of our junior monks produced this beautiful photo. Enjoy!

O God, whom the Holy Innocents confessed and proclaimed
on this day, not by speaking but by dying, grant, we pray, that the faith in you
which we confess with our lips may also speak through our manner of life. Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

 The junior monks enjoyed a very
 competitive game of pickleball.
 To view more photos, click here
 or visit us on facebook!

O God, who through the blessed Apostle John have
unlocked for us the secrets of your Word, grant, we pray, that we may
grasp with proper understanding what he has so marvelously brought to our ears.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

 Abbot Gregory playing one of the abbey's favorite Christmas pieces. 
 To listen click on the link below or visit us on facebook!

Grant, Lord, we pray, that we may imitate what we worship,
and so learn to love even our enemies, for we celebrate the heavenly birthday
of a man who know how to pray even for his persecutors. Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

To view more photos from our midnight Mass, click here.

 Solemn Announcement of Christmas. 
 To listen to Br. Macario's practice run, click on the link below or visit us on facebook!

 Fr. Timothy practicing for Midnight Mass. 
 To listen click on the link below or visit us on facebook!

 O Antiphon chanted this evening by the monks. O King of Nations.... 
 To listen click on the link below or visit us on facebook!

Christmas decorations are being hung with care all over campus as the monks prepare for their Christmas celebration.
To view more photos, click here.

 O Antiphon chanted this evening by the monks. O Radiant Dawn.... 
 To listen click on the link below or visit us on facebook!

To view more photos from the Conception Abbey 2011 Employee Christmas Party, click here.

 O Antiphon chanted this evening by the monks. O Key of David.....
 To listen click on the link below or visit us on facebook!

 O Antiphon chanted this evening at Vespers. O Root of Jesse...
 To listen click on the link below or visit us on facebook!

Now that we are in full swing of the "O" antiphons check out this short article, What are the "O Antiphons"? by Fr. William Saunders. It gives a little history and explanation of their text and tradition. 

What are the

www.catholiceducation.org

An internet library of journal articles, essays, book excerpts, and other texts chosen for their objective, concise, and clear presentation of Catholic teachings, history, and culture.

 

 O Antiphon chanted this evening at Vespers. O Adonai.....
 To listen click on the link below or visit us on facebook.

 Today's offertory chanted by the monks.
 To listen click on the link below or visit us on facebook. Enjoy!

 Conception Abbey - Rorate Caeli
 www.youtube.com
 Offertory for Advent.

 The monks begin chanting the O Antiphons. December 17, O Wisdom.  To listen to the 
 monks chanting the December 17 O Antiphon, O Wisdom, click on the link below or visit
 us on facebook.

O God, who gave the Priest Saint John an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial and love of the Cross, grant that, by imitating him closely at all times, we may come to contemplate eternally your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

May the glorious intercession of the Virgin
and Martyr Saint Lucy give us new heart, we pray, O Lord,
so that we may celebrate her heavenly birthday in this present age
and so behold things eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who
lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

O God, Father of mercies, who placed your people under the singular protection
of your Son's most holy Mother, grant that all who invoke the Blessed Virgin of Guadalupe,
may seek with ever more lively faith the progress of peoples in the ways of justice and of peace. Through our
Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Length: ‎2:41

 

To view more pictures from today's Mass, click here.

Today we celebrate our Patronal Feast.
May the Blessed Virgin continue to watch over and protect us.

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin
prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son, grant, we pray, that, as you
preserved her from every stain by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw, so,
through her intercession, we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence. Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

 To view more photos from today's Mass, click here.

Concetion Abbey-Solemn Salve Regina

 www.youtube.com

 After Compline on Saturdays,
 the monks go to the Marian Shrine
 to chant the "Solemn Salve Regina"
 during ordinary time.

O God, who made the Bishop Saint Ambrose
a teacher of the Catholic faith and a model of apostolic
courage, raise up in your Church men after your own heart
to govern her with courage and wisdom. Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

We humbly implore your mercy, Lord: protect us in all dangers through the
prayers of the Bishop Saint Nicholas, that the way of salvation may lie open before us. Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Lord of mercy, be close to those who call upon you.
With Saint Cecilia to help us hear and answer our prayers.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Eternal Father, we honor the holiness and glory of the Virgin Mary.
May her prayers bring us the fullness of your life and love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus
Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Almighty and merciful God, you break the power of evil and make all
things new in your Son Jesus Christ, the King of the universe. May all in heaven and
earth acclaim your glory and never cease to praise you. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

  Our Benedictine Sisters a couple miles away from us are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Dedication of their
 chapel. Our Fr. Lukas Etlin, OSB was instrumental in much of the chapel's designs. To view a tour of the Clyde Chapel
 click here, visit their website www.clydemonastery.org, or visit us on facebook.

Father, by his life and death Martin of Tours offered you worship and praise.
Renew in our hearts the power of your love, so that neither death nor life
may separate us from you. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Thank you to all who have served our country.

God our Father, you will never allow the power of hell to prevail against your Church,
founded by the rock of the apostle Peter. Let the prayers of Pope Leo the Great keep
us faithful to your truth and secure in your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Sunday, November 6, 2011 Conception Abbey gave thanks to its donors with a special Mass followed by a deliecious brunch.
To view more pictures from Donor Recognition Sunday 2011, click here.

Today is the 15th Anniversary of Fr. Abbot's Election. We congratulate
Father Abbot on his anniversary and we keep him and his office in our prayers. Ad multos annos

Father, keep in your people the spirit which filled Charles Borromeo.
Let your Church be continually renewed and show the image of Christ to the world by being
conformed to his likeness, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

  The Ultima sung at the Abbey Cemetery. To view the video click here or visit us on facebook!

Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console us. As we renew our faith in your Son,
whom you raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters
will share in his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

God our Father, source of all holiness, the work of your hands is manifest in your saints,
the beauty of your truth is reflected in their faith. May we who aspire to have part in their joy
be filled with the Spirit that blessed their lives, so that having shared their faith on earth
we may also know their peace in your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

To view more photos from our All Saint's Day Celebration, click here!

Happy All Hallow's Eve! Thought you might enjoy a Pumpkin carving of the Abbey Basilica.

Father, you revealed yourself to us through the preaching
of your apostles Simon and Jude. By their prayers, give your Church continued growth
and increase the number of those who believe in you. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

God, all-powerful Father, you strengthen our faith and take away our weakness.
Let the prayers and example of the Blessed Martyrs of England and Whales help us to share in the passion
and resurrection of Christ and bring us to eternal joy with all your saints. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

O God, who are rich in mercy and who willed that the Blessed John Paul II should preside
as Pope over your universal Church, grant, we pray, that instructed by his teaching, we may
open our hearts to the saving grace of Christ, the sole Redeemer of mankind. Who lives and reigns.

O God, through the diversities of this world you led Blessed Charles from this earthly realm
to the crown reserved for him in heaven. Grant through his intercession that we may so serve your Son
and our brothers and sisters that we may become worthy of eternal life. Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Father, you chose Luke the evangelist to reveal by preaching and writing
the mystery of your love for the poor. Unite in one heart and spirit all who glory in
your name, and let all nations come to see your salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Father, by you Spirit you raised up Saint Teresa of Jesus to show your Church the way to perfection.
May her inspired teaching awaken in us a longing for true holiness. Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Almighty and eternal God, who in the Pope Blessed John, gave to the whole world the shining
example of a good shepherd, grant that, through his intercession, we may with joy spread
abroad the fullness of Christian charity. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Lord, fill our hearts with your love, and as you revealed to us by an angel the coming of your Son as man,
so lead us through his suffering and death to the glory of his resurrection, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Father, you called St. Bruno to serve you in solitude. In answer to his prayers help us to remain faithful to you amid the changes of the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Father, you helped Saint Francis to reflect the image of Christ through a life of poverty and humility.
May we follow your Son by walking in the footsteps of Francis of Assisi, and by
imitating his joyful love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

God our Father, you have promised your kingdom to those who are willing to become like little children.
Help us to follow the way as St. Theresa with confidence so that by her prayers we may
come to know your eternal glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Father, you gave Saint Jerome delight in his study of holy Scripture. May your people find
in your word the food of salvation and the fountain of life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus
Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Today we celebrate the co-patrons of our monastery. In our abbey church, the
ceiling vaults are full of angels keeping watchful protection of all who pass through.

The CSC students conducted a pro-life t-shirt contest. Students were encouraged to send in their designs that would be voted on. Sergio Esquivel won this year contest. Congrats! Blessed Mary, mother of all unborn children, PRAY FOR US.

God our Father, you gave Vincent de Paul the courage and holiness of an apostle for the well-being of the poor and the formation of the clergy. Help us to be zealous in continuing his work. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

God of mercy, you chose a tax collector, Saint Matthew, to share the dignity of the apostles. By his examples and prayers help us to follow Christ and to remain faithful in your service. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Oh God, you have created all nations and you are their salvation. In the land of Korea your call to Catholic faith formed a people of adoption, whose growth you nurtured by the blood of Andrew Kim, Paul Chong, and their companions. Through their martyrdom and their intercession grant us strength that we too may remain faithful to your commandments even until death. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

God our Father, in obedience to you, your only Son accepted death on the cross for the salvation of mankind. We acknowledge the mystery of the cross on earth. May we receive the gift of redemption in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Father, the strength of all who trust in you, you made John Chrysostom renowned for his eloquence and heroic in his sufferings.
May we learn from his teaching and gain courage from his patient endurance. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Father of mercy, give your people help and strength from heaven. The birth of the Virgin Mary's Son was the dawn of our salvation.
May this celebration of her birthday bring us closer to lasting peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

 Conception Abbey-Salve Regina
 www.youtube.com
 After Compline the monks chant
 the Marian hymn "Salve Regina."
 This is only sung during ordinary time.
 Click here to watch the video or visit us on facebook!

Father, you guide your people with kindness and govern us with love.
By the prayers of Saint Gregory give the spirit of wisdom to those you
have called to lead your Church. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Today we are keeping in prayer our Father Abbot Gregory
who is honoring the memory of his holy patron. Saint Gregory, pray for him.

Don't forget to visit us on facebook!

God of mercy, comfort those in sorrow, the tears of Saint Monica moved you to convert her son Saint Augustine to the faith of Christ.
By their prayers, help us to turn from our sins and to find your loving forgiveness. Grant this through Christ our Lord.

Lord, sustain the faith which made St. Bartholomew ever loyal to Christ.
Let your Church be the sign of salvation for all the nations of the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Conception Monks and Seminarians cleaned up after a series of storms bringing severe winds, rain, and hail hit campus on Thursday, August 18th.  The damages included numerous broken trees and branches, broken windows in the dormitories, and minor hail damage and dents.  Perhaps the worst damage incurred was to the local farmers and their crops.  Fortunately there were no injuries.  We are grateful to the seminarians for their help in the large clean up effort on Friday.

All-powerful and ever-living God, you raised the sinless Virgin Mary, mother of your Son,
body and soul to the glory of heaven. May we see heaven as our final goal
and come to share her glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

To see pictures from the Mass of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, click here or visit us on facebook!

Sunday, August 14, 2011 Conception Abbey welcomed two new novices into their monastery, Novice James Chinn and Novice Daniel Friedel. Welcome!

If you would like to view more pictures from the novices entrance into the novitiate, just click here of visit us on facebook!

God our Father, in the transfigured glory of Christ your Son, you strengthen our faith by confirming the witness of your prophets, and show us the splendor of your beloved sons and daughters. As we listen
to the voice of your Son, help us to become heirs to eternal life with him who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Through the intercession of St. John Vianney, may God give to His Church today many more priests after
His own Heart. May all priests serve with fidelity and compassion and be ministers of reconciliation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.St. John Vianney...Pray for us!

We are saddened to hear of the passing of His Excellency, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio
to the United States. He was scheduled to be our keynote speaker for our fall alumni reunion.
We pray for the nuncio's family and for the repose of his soul. Requiescat in pace.

God of our fathers, you gave Saints Joachim and Ann the privilege of being the parents of Mary, the mother of your incarnate Son. May their prayers help us attain the salvation you have promised to your people.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Almighty Father, by the martyrdom of St. James you blessed the work of the early Church.
May his profession of faith give us courage and his prayers bring us strength.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Father, your Son first entrusted to Mary Magdalene the joyful news of his resurrection.
By her prayers and example may we proclaim Christ as our living Lord and one day see him in glory,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

All-powerful Father, may we who celebrate the feast of St. Bonaventure always benefit from his wisdom and follow the example of his love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

We here at Conception Abbey were once again blessed with a successful Oblate Work & Pray Weekend!
Once a year our oblates give of their time and talents to help out with work around campus. 
A special thanks to those who were able to attend this year and in years past.

To view more pictures from our online album of the 2011 Oblate Work & Pray weekend, please click here or visit us on facebook!

God our Father, you made St. Benedict an outstanding guide to teach men how to live in your service.
Grant that by preferring your love to everything else, we may walk in the way of your commandments.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

 Lord God, give us the strengh and love of the heart of Your Son that, by becoming one with Him,
we may have eternal salvation. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

To view more pictures of the Sacred Heart banner on our online album,
please click here or visit us on facebook!

On the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the President of our seminary Board of Regents, His Excellency, Archbishop Coakley of Oklahoma City received the pallium from The Holy Father.

Lord our God, encourage us through the prayers of Saints Peter and Paul.
May the apostles who strengthened the faith of the infant Church help us on our way of salvation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ, you gave us the Eucharist as the memorial of your suffering and death. May our worship of this sacrament of your body and blood help us to experience the salvation you won for us and the peace of the kingdom where you live with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

To view more pictures on our online photo gallery, please click here or visit us on facebook!

Monday, June 20th

Blessing of the Abbey Guest House

The monks of Conception Abbey gathered for the blessing and ground-breaking of the new Abbey Guest House.  Abbot Gregory presided over the ceremony as the monks, employees, benefactors, and friends prayed for the Lord's blessing upon the new construction, the safety of the workers, and for all who will benefit from the guest house in the future.

For we are God's co-workers; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.  -1 Corinthians 3

Pictures by Br. Macario and Br. Paul

To view more pictures from the Abbey Guest House Blessing, click here!

Companion Camp 2011 took place Friday, June 17th through Sunday, June 19th. This year Conception Seminary College welcomed 44 campers. The weekend was a successful celebration of faith, fellowship, and fun.  Campers enjoyed activities ranging a variety of interests.  Among the favorites were dodgeball, fishing, the 72 foot inflatable obstacle course, and the evening Adoration and Reconcilation service.  14 high school young men (many of whom were former campers) signed up to help with camp for the weekend.  They assisted monks and seminarians as co-team leaders, dishwashers, and led in different capacities to ensure that the campers had a positive and fruitful weekend.

To see more pictures from Companion Camp 2011, click here or visit us on facebook!

Next year's Companion Camp will be held June 15th-17th, 2012

Father, you sent your Word to bring us truth and your Spirit to make us holy. Through them we come to know the mystery of your life. Help us to worship you, one God in three Persons, by proclaiming and living our faith in you. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Almighty and ever-living God, you fulfilled the Easter promise by sending us your Holy Spirit.
May that Spirit unite the races and the nations on earth to proclaim your glory. We ask this
through Christ our Lord.

On Thursday evening, May 17th, Br. Guerric Letter, OSB was ordained by His Excellency, Bishop Joseph Carron, C.PP.S. (Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Des Moines).  Br. Guerric's friends, family, and monastic confreres were present for the beautiful liturgical celebration and joyful occasion.  After a brief home visit with family, Br. Guerric will begin his diaconate service this summer by ministering at St. Gregory Barbarigo parish in Maryville, Missouri.  In August, he will return to St. Meinrad Seminary to finish his final year of theology in preparation for his priestly ordination.

To view more pictures from our online photo gallery, click here or visit us on facebook!

Conception Seminary College

Graduation 2011

The Commencement and Honors Assembly took place on Saturday, May 14th, at 2:00pm in the Abbey Basilica, filled with friends and family. It was truly a joyous and momentous occasion. Congratulations to our graduates! For more pictures, please click here to view our picture gallery or visit Conception Seminary College on Facebook

Bachelor of Arts Recipients

Joshua Edward Barlett

David Andreas Jude Bauer

Andrew Thomas Bina

Geoffrey Alan Brooke Jr.

Devin T. Burns

Christopher W. M. Ciaffa

Adam Leo Droll

Alexander Joseph Gorges

Justin Michael Hamilton

Ignatius Hoang Hai Dang, DMC

Andrew Michael Horn

Brian Emil Jilka

Ryan William Koster

George Matthew Krastel

Michael Anthony Kuper

John Paul Lewis

Edward Lee Looney

Andrew Joseph Augustine Mattingly

Tuan Duc Nguyen

Matthew Joseph Niggemeyer

Ignacio Olvera Ortiz

Ryan Hernandez Rojo

Thomas Michael Shows

Mitchell Haig Simpson

Joseph Roland Sund

Luke Kevin Thielen

Ignatius Tran Hien Vuong, CMC

Curt Manuel Vogel IV

Bachelor of Philosophical & Theological Studies

Patrick Michael LaPacz

James Mathew Thomason

Pre-Theology Certificate

John Hiep Xuan Nguyen

Language, Culture & Church Program

Alan Roberto Renteria Renteria

Edgar Gerardo Rodriguez Flores

Pedro Fernando Pablo Sebastian

Juan Manuel Salas Alanis

To view a video made to celebrate the 120th Anniversary of our Abbey Basilica you can click on the photo or just click here.

God our Father, may we look forward with hope to our resurrection, for you have made us your sons and daughters and restored the joy of our youth. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

With the Royal Wedding in the news, here is our own brush with royalty. In 1946 Empress Zita of Austria and her daughter visited Conception Abbey. They came to pay their respects to our Fr. Lucas Etlin's grave for his fund raising efforts to support war torn Austria. They attended a Pontifical High Mass and because of her apostolic consecration, a chair and prie-dieu were placed in the sanctuary for her.

     

God our Father, every year you give us joy on the festival of the apostles Philip and James. By the help of their prayers may we share in the suffering, death, and resurrection of your only Son and come to the eternal vision of your glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Father, you raised up Saint Athanasius to be an outstanding defender of the truth of God's divinity. By his teaching and protection may we grow in your knowledge and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

O God, who are rich in mercy and who willed that the Blessed John Paul II should preside as Pope over your universal Church, grant, we pray, that instructed by his teaching, we may open our hearts to the saving grace of Christ, the sole Redeemer of mankind. Who lives and reigns.