Prior’s Journal
Br. Joachim, OSB, professes solemn vows
On Friday, May 16, 2025, Br. Joachim Conti, OSB, professed solemn vows as a monk of Conception Abbey in the presence of his family, friends, seminarians, and monastic confreres. In the ceremony, Br. Joachim made the perpetual commitment to live as a monk of Conception’s monastery, vowing obedience, stability, and conversion of life. After the…
Following in Giants’ Footsteps
What’s it like to follow someone’s footsteps? That question immediately generates additional questions. Questions like: Why would you want to do that? Are you following a famous person? Are you learning something in the process? What would you accomplish in the end? Has anyone else done this? Lest you’re wondering where this is going, it’s…
Another Kind of Legacy
Benedictines, especially the Benedictine Monks of Conception Abbey, had a lasting impact on the life of Julia Bonen and her family—an impact that would lead to a lifelong relationship spanning generations. The Bonen siblings grew up near Pilot Grove, Missouri, where St. Joseph Catholic Church was staffed by the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey. Julia’s…
Living the Monastic Horarium
In Chapter 48 of his Rule, St. Benedict outlines the daily schedule of prayer and work for his monks. The monastic horarium, or schedule, is the heartbeat of the monastic community. It is the structure in which the monastery functions as an institution and punctuates the specified times for giving thanks and praise to God.…
Jesus calls us to seek Him
The world is filled with distractions. With smartphones, we all carry a modern-day ‘Ring of Power’ in our pockets—a tool of immense power, but also a source of temptation and control. If you’ve read Tolkien, you know this isn’t a compliment. Our modern media landscape seems designed to drain us, turning us into wraiths—restless, distracted,…
To Sing is to Pray Twice
Readers of Tower Topics who already know me may also know me as one of the cantors for Conception Abbey’s liturgy and divine office. I have been a member of the monastic schola and a cantor for fifty years, one of several hats I wear in the community. Singing has been part of my life…
A Perfect Day for Abbey Trails 2025
The annual Abbey Trails 5K Run / 2-Mile walk brought guests from near and far to Conception Abbey on Saturday, May 3 to celebrate health and wellness. The sun was shining bright as more than 250 people arrived to participate in the walk, run, health fair, and brunch. The 5K course began at the Abbey’s…
Father Norbert Schappler, OSB, enters eternal rest
On Saturday, 1 March 2025, Father Norbert Schappler, OSB, beloved confrere and senior member of our community in age and profession, was called to into the everlasting beatitude of his heavenly homeland. In his long monastic life—79 years under a rule and an abbot—he had long since attained jubilees of profession and ordination; these were…
Father Kenneth Reichert, OSB, enters eternal rest
In the early hours of the afternoon on Thursday, 19 December 2024, our beloved confrere, Father Kenneth Reichert, OSB laid down the burdens of earthly existence and surrendered his soul to the Lord, in whose service he had spent his life as monk and priest. A golden jubilarian of both monastic profession and priestly…
Have it your way
Several years ago, a well-known restaurant adopted the slogan, “Have it your way,” letting customers know they could create a meal in any way that fit their fancy. One-size-fits-all was not on the menu. As 2024 comes to a close, we at Conception Abbey and Seminary College want our friends to know that when it…