Tower Choir to perform Dec. 4 at Conception Abbey

Northwest Missouri State University’s Tower Choir will present a concert next month at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at Conception Abbey to celebrate the 125th anniversary of its dedication and the memory of the late Father Timothy Schoen, O.S.B. The concert, which is free and open to the public, is at 3 p.m. Sunday,…

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Fr. Benedict Elected Abbot

Abbot Benedict takes the oath of abbatial office.

Fr. Benedict Neenan elected 10th abbot of Conception Abbey Fr. Benedict Neenan, O.S.B. was elected as the new abbot of the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey, Conception, Mo. on Tuesday, November 22, 2016. He becomes the 10th abbot in Conception Abbey’s 143-year history, succeeding Abbot Gregory Polan, O.S.B., who was elected Abbot Primate of the…

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Monk professes simple vows at Conception Abbey

Conception Abbey: A Benedcitne Monastery

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…

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Prior’s Journal: The Upcoming Abbatial Election

Many people have been recently asking about how an abbot is elected – what is the process? do monks run? what happens during the election? I wanted to take a few minutes to clarify the process and how the community has been preparing for all of you – our friends. Abbot Gregory’s election to the…

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5 Ways to Discern Religious Life

5 Ways to Discern a Religious Vocation

Here are five things you can do to help discern your vocation by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB, Conception Abbey Vocation Director Take time daily for personal prayer Prayer is the foundation for discerning your vocation and deepening your relationship with Christ. You can listen best when you remove yourself from the things that distract us and…

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Conception Seminary Board of Regents Meet for Fall Meeting

Board of Regents approves new mission statement for Conception Seminary College to guide priestly formation The Board of Regents of Conception Seminary College met for their annual fall meeting on October 14-15, 2016. Focus centered again on developing the strategic plan that will guide the seminary into the future. Regent Jan Lewis of Overland Park,…

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Conception Seminary College to Host Annual Soccer/Volleyball Tournament

Soccer and volleyball tournament brings together seminarians discerning God’s call The 9th Annual Thunder Cup Soccer and Volleyball Tournament will be held October 15-16 at Conception Seminary College in Conception, Mo. Seven seminaries from across the Midwest will gather for a weekend of faith, fellowship, and friendly competition at this annual event. “The Thunder Cup…

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Alumni Reunion Weekend

Mass for the Conception Seminary College Alumni Reunion was on Friday late afternoon and the principal celebrant was Abbot Gregory. This would be the last Mass he would celebrate in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception before he departed for Rome to assume his new role as Abbot Primate. The prayers and readings for Mass focused…

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Reception for Abbot Gregory

On Wednesday evening the monks had a reception and banquet in honor of Abbot Gregory. It was a time to gather as a monastic community as say “thank you” to Abbot Gregory for almost 20 years of service as abbot, as he soon departs for Rome, Italy to begin serving as Abbot Primate. During the evening…

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Abbot Gregory Returns Home

After being elected Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Confederation on Saturday, September 10th, Abbot Gregory was set to return home to Conception Abbey last night. However, his flight out of Rome was delayed, so the original plan of welcoming him at 8:30 PM was pushed back to just before 11:00 PM Saturday evening. The Prior, Fr. Daniel,…

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