Pictures
New Abbot elected at Conception Abbey
On Saturday, July 11, 2026, the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey, in Conception, Missouri, elected Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB, as their new abbot. He becomes the 11th abbot in Conception Abbey’s 153-year history, succeeding Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB, who has retired after 10 years of abbatial service. The election of Abbot Paul took place within…
The Abbots of Conception Abbey: A History of Benedictine Leadership
For more than 150 years, the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey have lived according to the Rule of St. Benedict, ordering their lives around prayer, work, community, and hospitality. Throughout that history, each generation of monks has been guided by an abbot: the spiritual father and leader of the monastery. In the Benedictine tradition, an…
How do Benedictine monks elect a new abbot?
“He is believed to hold the place of Christ in the monastery, since he is addressed by a title of Christ, as the Apostle indicates: You have received the spirit of adoption of sons by which we exclaim, abba, father (Romans 8:15).” – Rule of St. Benedict, 2.2-3 The election of an abbot is one…
Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB, Announces His Resignation
A Statement from Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB: “For nearly 10 years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving as Abbot of Conception Abbey. When I was elected on November 22, 2016, I was elected for an indefinite term, according to the Constitution of the Swiss American Benedictine Congregation. It is therefore up to…
Another Sunny Day for Abbey Trails 2026
Abbey Trails welcomes record-breaking crowd The annual Abbey Trails 5K Run / 2-Mile walk brought a record number of runners and walkers from near and far to Conception Abbey on Saturday, May 2, to celebrate health and wellness. Nearly 350 participants, vendors, and guests joined together for the walk, run, health fair, and brunch. Twenty…
Reflections from Rome
Br. Mark Nelson and Br. Joachim Conti, young members of our monastic community, are currently enrolled in priestly studies at Sant’ Anselmo in Rome. Br. Mark is in his second year and will be ordained to the diaconate this summer. Br. Joachim is in his first year of studies. The two have shared some reflections…
A Peaceful, Prayerful Resting Place
The monks of Conception Abbey are pleased to share with you our new Columbarium, which is expected to be finished soon. What is a columbarium? A columbarium is a room, building, or wall that is designated for the inurnment of the cremated remains of people who have died. The term “columbarium” comes from the…
Inspiring Today’s Laypeople
St. Benedict didn’t realize that he was being watched! In 535, at Monte Cassino south of Rome, the founder of western monasticism wrote his Holy Rule for monks and tapped into his own spiritual gifts. Throughout the centuries, laypeople called Benedictine oblates have watched the monks and have been inspired to seek holiness, even though…
Beyond the Retreat
Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Benedictine monasteries have long been places of silent reflection and prayer. Places where you can hear God speak because worldly distractions are kept out. The monks value having this quiet space, but they don’t keep…
Good Things for Those Who Ask
It was some time back in April 2025 when I proposed an idea to Katie. I can still picture the quizzical look on her face. My idea was simple: Bring a group of your friends to the monastery for a retreat. With three children, her oldest two in high school, I figured that…