A Benedictine Pilgrimage Across Time and Terrain

Seven monks of Conception Abbey traveled to Europe for a two-week pilgrimage to Rome, Italy and Engelberg, Switzerland in late May and early June. From left to right, Br. Maximilian Burkhart, Br. Gabriel Chinn, Br. Joachim Conti, Br. Simeon Johnson, Fr. Paul Sheller, Br. Boniface Logan, and Br. Francis Todd, together joined monks from seven other monasteries to grow in brotherhood and be immersed in Benedictine history.

Benedictine monasteries are autonomous houses, and while we may share with all monks a similar way of life and adherence to the Rule of St. Benedict, it does not necessarily mean we have much regular interaction with individuals from other monasteries. It’s possible to form closer relationships with monks from other monasteries, but most of our daily experience is with those in our own community. When we conceived of the idea of leading a pilgrimage aimed for monks in formation (i.e. those in temporary or “simple” vows), the goals of the pilgrimage were 1) to foster spiritual growth, 2) to provide a personal experience of our Benedictine heritage, 3) to strengthen the fraternal bonds between monks in the Swiss-American congregation.

Twenty-one monks from eight different monasteries met at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and first traveled to the Eternal City, Rome, Italy, to participate in the festivities for the Jubilee Year of Hope, where we passed through the holy doors of the four major Basilicas. It was quite a sight to see a group of monks, wearing their black habit (even in the summer heat) walking the streets of Rome, enjoying a general audience with Pope Leo, visiting the beautiful churches, the Vatican Museum, and many other historic places. A day trip took us to Subiaco and Monte Cassino, Italy, both important sites for St. Benedict and our Benedictine heritage, and especially appreciated for the quiet, beauty of the countryside, and spiritual significance. We departed Rome, making a brief stop to tour Florence before traveling to northern Italy for an overnight stay. The next morning’s journey continued as we crossed the border into Switzerland and headed into the mountains, staying for the next few days in Engelberg, Motherhouse of both Conception Abbey and Mount Angel Abbey.

Pilgrims at Engelberg Abbey

In the fresh mountain air, the monks enjoyed the scenery, ascending in the cable car up Mount Titlis, and taking advantage of a few hiking opportunities before a day trip visiting other Swiss monasteries of Fischingen and Einsiedeln Abbeys. The richness of the pilgrimage experience came not only through the travels, but also in sharing meals together and prayer at the various holy places and with other monastic communities. The final full day offered a visit to Sachseln and Flüeli-Ranft, both places associated with St. Nicholas of Flüe (also known as Brother Klaus), a Swiss hermit and ascetic who is the patron saint of Switzerland.

The pilgrimage was made possible by a generous grant from the Blue Cloud Foundation. It was a wonderful chance for young monks to connect, share stories and experiences, and support one another in their calling to monastic life. Though the twenty-one pilgrims came from eight different monasteries, it was a blessing to see that what unites us is our pursuit of Christ in the Benedictine tradition.

—Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB

Pilgrims share their experiences

Inside Subiaco Monastery

“The verse from Psalm 139: ‘If I climb the heavens, you are there. If I lie in the grave, you are there’ encapsulated my pilgrimage experience and brought a new personal meaning to the verse. Whether that be admiring the frescoes at Subiaco Monastery, praying in the cave in which St. Benedict lived, trekking up a mountain to find a crucifix at the top, or descending what felt like a hundred kilometers to see St. Nicholas of Flüe’s hermitage and shrine, they all brought with it an encounter with Christ in prayer and produced movements of the heart I will never forget.” —Br. Francis Todd, OSB

“The coming together of monks from multiple monastic communities to witness an array of architectural beauties, pray in a variety of languages, and encounter numerous saints filled the pilgrimage with a marvelous presentation of the Church in her universality and united diversity. Upon gathering together for Mass at Subiaco and Vespers at Einsiedeln, I was particularly inspired with a recognition of the rich and manifold fruits of our common history and pursuit.” —Br. Joachim Conti, OSB

“Out of the many places we visited on our pilgrimage, I found the Sistine Chapel particularly inspiring. Michelangelo’s frescoes were beautiful and mesmerizing, especially The Last Judgment. I was also struck by the chapel’s great importance in the life of the Church. Many papal elections have taken place within its walls, including the recent election of Pope Leo XIV. I am grateful to our Lord for the opportunity to experience the Sistine Chapel in person.” —Br. Simeon Johnson, OSB

Pope Leo XIV

“Being at the place where St. Maximilian Kolbe celebrated his first Mass has long been a dream of mine. I received that dream as I knelt before the steps where he walked up and kissed the altar for the very first time. It was special to me, even if a bit more crowded than I would have liked in the Basilica of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, leaving little time to pray. When stepping off the bus at Engelberg, Switzerland, however, it was a totally different story. The special connection between mighty Switzerland and being a true son of Missouri, seeing the chapter room where the community of Engelberg decided to send two of their own monks to Missouri 152 years earlier. That moment will always have a special place in my heart.” —Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB

“Prior to our pilgrimage to Rome and Switzerland, I held certain preconceived notions regarding the immense grandeur of attending the General Audience of Pope Leo XIV. I anticipated that being present in St. Peter’s Square alongside the Holy Father and thousands of fellow pilgrims would be an awe-inspiring, yet somewhat distant experience, one that I might find difficult to relate to. However, to my surprise, the encounter evoked a profound sense of familiarity and belonging. Rather than feeling overwhelmed or detached, I experienced the unmistakable feeling of being at home.” —Br. Boniface Logan, OSB

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