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Right Rev. Paul Sheller, OSB, Blessed as the Eleventh Abbot of Conception Abbey
Conception, Mo. – Right Rev. Paul Sheller, OSB was blessed as the eleventh abbot of Conception Abbey by the Most Rev. Bishop James V. Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph on Sunday, August 30, 2026. Surrounded by his brother monks, family, friends, employees, and guests totaling approximately 600, Abbot Paul graciously…
Passing the Torch
It is natural and inevitable for each of us to “pass the torch” to the next generation. The torch is a symbol of leadership, responsibility, and innovation, since the one who carries it leads the way along the dark path of uncertainty to the group’s destination for which he or she is responsible. Eventually, we…
Simply a retreat
There is an aspect of Benedictine life that shapes the way we approach retreats. While St. Benedict encourages his monks “to receive all guests as Christ,” and thus hospitality is a foundational principle in retreat ministry, there is yet another, less obvious principle hidden in the background. I’m talking about Benedictine simplicity. Both silence and…
Running the Race: Fitness & the Benedictine Monk
In Chapter 4 of the Rule, “The Tools for Good Works,” St. Benedict states: “Your way of acting should be different from the world’s way.” Every aspect of the monk’s life should witness to the fact that he is living for something greater than himself. He is not a man living for the passing things…
Meet Abbot Paul Sheller, OSB
A newly elected abbot experiences many emotions but also many graces. Abbot Paul Sheller, OSB, is no different. His cup has overflowed with gratitude in recent weeks. “As the election transpired, and the votes were read aloud, I felt deeply loved and affirmed, excited where this new journey would lead me, and aware of the…
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…