Monk professes simple vows at Conception Abbey

Nov. Nicholas becomes Br. Matthew as he professes monastic vows

On November 11, 2016, the Feast of St. Martin of Tours, Novice Nicholas Marie made monastic profession of vows and was given the name Brother Matthew. 

“This is a special day not only for Novice Nicholas, but for the entire monastic community, the extended community of Conception Abbey, and for the whole Church. It is a day full of wonders,” commented the Very Rev. Daniel Petsche, Prior-Administrator of Conception Abbey at the beginning of his homily. “We thank God for what you’re about to do.”

Before the gathered monastic and seminary community, Br. Matthew professed the three Benedictine monastic vows: stability, fidelity to the monastic way of life, and obedience. He read aloud his profession document and then proceeded to sign the document upon the altar, thus affirming his desire to live those vows for the next three years as he continues to discern the call to monastic life.

Br. Matthew is originally from Washington, Iowa where he grew up. After high school, he attended Conception Seminary College as a seminarian for the Diocese of Davenport in Iowa and graduated in the fall of 2014. He returned to Conception Abbey in the summer of 2015 to begin his postulancy and novitiate, the time of prayer, trial, and discernment before monastic vows are made. Since his entrance into the monastic community, Br. Matthew has worked in the Printery House, Conception Abbey’s press that creates Christian greeting cards, stationary, and other items. He has also worked as a porter in the Abbey Basilica, preparing the prayer books and worship aids used during the liturgy. He will continue to work among and with the monks of Conception Abbey to further their mission of prayer and service to the Church as he continues his discernment.

We ask you to continue to pray for Br. Matthew and for more men to discern a vocation to religious life.