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Fr. Henry Nurre, OSB, enters eternal rest
At 12:50 AM on Wednesday, 23 March 2022, two days after our celebration of the Transitus of our Holy Father Benedict, our beloved confrere, Fr. Henry Nurre, OSB heeded the call of his Savior and made his own transitus into the realms of eternal glory. Fr. Henry had come to Conception Abbey from St. Benedict’s…
Abbey Trails to celebrate anniversary in person
Conception, Mo. – The monks of Conception Abbey look forward to celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Abbey Trails 5K Run / 2-Mile Walk & Health Fair in person on Saturday, May 7, 2022. “We enjoy hosting participants from the region to promote health and wellness, and we have some exciting things planned for the 2022 event to…
Called to Community Life
Common prayer. Community. Communion. Br. Mark’s life has always held a theme of community and prayer, and God has used his life’s experiences to call him to profess simple vows as a monk of Conception Abbey. Br. Mark Nelson, previously Novice Andrew, recalls a good family life with his parents and sister in Holton, Kansas—enjoying…
Fr. Anthony Shidler, OSB, enters eternal rest
On Friday, 10 December 2021, our beloved confrere, Father Anthony Shidler, OSB, passed unburdened into the joys of heaven, bringing to fulfillment a long life in the service of God. Father Anthony’s monastic journey had been traversed in unusual circumstances. After seventeen years at St. Meinrad Archabbey under the simple perpetual vows of a lay…
When in Rome
Abbot Primate Gregory Polan reflects Abbot Primate Gregory Polan is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his abbatial blessing in 1996 and the 50th anniversary of his monastic profession in 1971. Now in his fifth year as Abbot Primate of the Benedictine Confederation in Rome, he shares here the type of work he does and how…
Monastic Milestones
FR. NORBERT | FR. RICHARD | FR. RENE | ARCHBISHOP JEROME | FR. ALBERT | ABBOT PRIMATE GREGORY Fr. Norbert Schappler, OSB | 75 years professed “Fidelity” is perhaps the most fitting word to describe jubilarian Fr. Norbert Schappler, who this year celebrates the 75th anniversary of his monastic profession of…
Brothers Living in Unity campaign announces Signature Phase
Conception increases initial scope of residence hall construction CONCEPTION, Mo. (Nov. 12, 2021) – Conception has officially launched a signature phase to “sign off” on the Brothers Living in Unity campaign. In just over two years, Conception Abbey and Seminary College met their original $14.5 million goal for the Brothers Living in Unity campaign,…
Br. Mark professes simple vows within monastic community
The monks of Conception Abbey welcomed Br. Mark Nelson, OSB, in his ceremony of simple profession on Thursday, October 7, 2021, the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. For a religious community, receiving a new member is a sign of joy and vitality and a vivid reminder of God’s grace and mercy working among…
Calling Upon the Saints
There is a great difference between being given a name at birth by one’s parents and consciously choosing a name for oneself and embracing its significance. The usual custom is to submit three names to the abbot in preparation for profession. It is a monastic custom for a novice to receive a new name when…
Listen Readily to Holy Reading
After Compline Fr. Xavier bounds across the walkway that connects the monastery to St. Stephen’s Infirmary. With eyes down and clutching a book in his hand, he walks with purpose as if he were sent on mission. He makes his way down the stairs, carefully holding the handrail with his free hand as he descends,…