Graduation: Ending and beginnings

Graduation. May 16, 2010 marked the end of another good year for our seminarians. As happens each year some of our twenty-five graduates have discerned that they are not called to the ordained priesthood and will be dropping out of seminary formation. The majority of the class, however, have indicated to their bishops that they are eager to pursue theological studies either in this country or in Rome. We always feel that we have been successful in working for the good of the Church when we have truly helped our seminarians to make a very positive and prayerful discernment concerning their vocation.

Community Retreat:

Again our community gathered for our annual retreat which extended from May 17- May 21. The retreat conferences were given by Fr. Ronald Witherup PSS who is the Superior General of the Sulpician Order. This religious order specializes in providing initial and ongoing formation to diocesan priests throughout the country and around the world. Fr. Ron is a well-known and published New Testament Scripture scholar who brought his expertise in the writings of St. Paul to examine the connections between the thought of St. Paul and St. Benedict in the Holy Rule. He seemed to feel very much at home while he was with us and we appreciated his scholarship and his spirituality. There was some concern whether he would arrive in time for the retreat since his flight from Paris was threatened to be delayed or cancelled due to the volcanic ash in the atmosphere. The abbot had to have a Plan B in place in case of a last minute cancellation. We are glad that Plan B was not necessary.

Summer activities:

With the students gone a variety of maintenance projects swing into full operation around the campus. The construction of new sidewalks and a handicap ramp next to the library entrance shows good progress. A major project of replacing and paving the entrance road from the basilica parking lot to the garage area will be a welcome improvement. It will, however, remove the great challenge of trying to dodge the large potholes in the present road!

Abbey guard dog:

We have hulking form in white fur keeping watch during these summer nights. This past year the CMC Brothers at St. Scholastica’s House acquired a white "puppy" which they and everyone one campus came to know as Bandit. This is no ordinary puppy and at eight months of age is now well on his way to his full statue as a Great Pyrenees Sheep dog. Since the brothers decided not to take it with them for the summer we have inherited, for the time being, this "still in training" watch dog. So if you hear an occasional deep throated "Woof, Woof" during the night, its just Bandit letting us know that he is indeed on duty.

"Mystagogia" is one of those fifty cent words that gets thrown around a lot after Easter. It either causes people to have a bland look wondering if they heard it correctly or it brings a smile to the newly baptized who recognize what it means. It’s an ancient Greek term for the period and the process of allowing those recently baptized or received into the Church to ponder and savor the joy of their new relationship with the Lord and the People of God. Even though we had no Easter baptisms here at the abbey, the liturgy continues that wonderful theme of rejoicing in the gift of the Resurrection and new life. The presence of the Easter environment in the basilica along with the stately Paschal Candle lift our minds and hearts in gratitude for the gift of Christian life through our baptisms whenever that might have taken place.

This is always a beautiful time of the year as Easter, baptisms in many parishes, and new life in nature combine to celebrate the creative work of God. The long wait of winter gives way to the promises of spring. The local farmers are hoping for some good drying days to get the rest of the crops planted. Some of the early corn has already come up.

Abbey Trails: All trails led to Conception Abbey again this year for our annual physical fitness program and social gathering. April 17 dawned as a perfect day for running and walking which of course delighted the 213 participants. Some of our friends have made this an annual outing over the years. It’s always nice to meet new friends as you run or walk the beautiful grounds of the abbey. The hearty and healthy breakfast afterwards and the health fair in gym were again much appreciated. The proceeds from the event go toward the maintenance of the year round wellness program which is open to the people of our area.

Year’s End: As this column is being written the seminarians have counted down the days before the final papers are due, the coming of the final exams, graduation day, and of course the summer break. Students and faculty alike need a good break at this time of the year. The final Eucharist of the year and graduation will be May 16. We extend our best wishes to those who are graduating and moving on either to further theological studies and the priesthood or to their vocation as dedicated laity. A good number of the monks associated with the seminary will represent the seminary at various ordinations to the priesthood and deaconate during the month of May and June.

LCCIP: Again this summer we’ll host a special program called Language, Culture, and Church for International Priests. This extension of our regular program during the school year for non-English speaking students is designed for priests who are already functioning in this country but still need assistance with their English pronunciation, and a better understanding of the American culture and Church. It has proven to be a very popular program not only for the sponsoring bishops but the participants themselves. See more about our LCCIP program here.

Beautiful landscape: The flowering trees and bushes set against the emerald green of freshly mown lawn make for a beautiful and relaxing scene. We invite you to come see us when you can. You’re always welcome!